Paste Fill Revolution: SECL’s ₹7040 Crore Breakthrough Unleashes 8.4 Million Tonnes of Coal with Zero Displacement

South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has partnered with TMC Mineral Resources in a groundbreaking ₹7,040 crore initiative to adopt paste fill technology—a first for India’s coal sector. This method fills mining voids with a mix of fly ash, crushed rock, and cement, preventing land collapse and eliminating the need for surface land acquisition. The project, targeting 8.4 million tonnes of coal over 25 years at Chhattisgarh’s Singhali mine, addresses critical challenges: extracting resources beneath villages and infrastructure without displacement or environmental harm.

By repurposing industrial waste like fly ash—a major landfill pollutant—it aligns with India’s circular economy goals. The technology revives underground mining, offering a safer, eco-friendly alternative to opencast methods, which dominate but face ecological scrutiny. SECL’s move could unlock inactive mines nationwide, setting a precedent for balancing energy security with sustainability. This innovation positions India as a potential global leader in green mining, proving coal extraction can coexist with ecological and community welfare in the energy transition era.

Paste Fill Revolution: SECL’s ₹7040 Crore Breakthrough Unleashes 8.4 Million Tonnes of Coal with Zero Displacement

In a landmark move for India’s coal sector, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has announced a ₹7,040 crore partnership with TMC Mineral Resources to adopt paste fill technology—a first among Indian coal public sector undertakings (PSUs). This initiative, centered at the Singhali underground mine in Chhattisgarh’s Korba district, promises to reshape the future of mining by balancing productivity with environmental stewardship.

The Challenge: Mining Beneath a Fragile Landscape 

The Singhali mine, operational since 1993, faces a unique hurdle: its reserves lie beneath villages, power lines, and critical infrastructure. Traditional Bord and Pillar methods, which involve leaving coal pillars to support the roof, risked surface subsidence and displacement of communities. With 8.45 million tonnes of high-quality G-7 grade coal trapped underground, SECL needed an innovative solution to access resources without disrupting lives or landscapes.  

Paste Fill Technology: A Game-Changer 

Paste fill technology offers a revolutionary fix. After extracting coal, voids are filled with a slurry composed of:  

• Fly ash (a byproduct of coal power plants, often dumped in landfills),  

• Crushed overburden from opencast mines,  

• Cement, water, and binding agents. 

This paste hardens into a stable structure, preventing land collapse and enabling safer extraction of coal pillars left behind during initial mining. By repurposing industrial waste, the process tackles two challenges at once: reducing environmental harm and eliminating the need for surface land acquisition—a frequent bottleneck in India’s densely populated mining regions.  

Why This Matters for India 

• Environmental Impact: India generates ~250 million tonnes of fly ash annually, with only 80% utilized. By integrating this waste into mining, SECL’s project aligns with national goals to promote circular economies and reduce landfill pollution.  

• Community Protection: Over 25 years, the project aims to extract 8.4 million tonnes of coal without displacing villages or damaging infrastructure—a model for conflict-free resource extraction.  

• Boosting Underground Mining: While opencast mining dominates India’s coal production (93% in 2023), it faces scrutiny for deforestation and emissions. Paste fill could revitalize underground mining, which has a smaller surface footprint and is safer for workers. 

Broader Implications for the Coal Sector 

SECL’s initiative arrives as India seeks to balance energy security with sustainability. The project could set a precedent for:  

• Reviving Abandoned Mines: Over 100 Indian coal mines are inactive due to technical or environmental constraints. Paste fill technology might unlock these reserves.  

• Policy Shifts: The government’s push for “green coal” could incentivize similar investments, aligning with its net-zero targets.  

• Global Leadership: While countries like Australia and Canada use paste fill, scaling it in India—the world’s second-largest coal producer—could inspire emerging economies. 

The Road Ahead 

Despite its promise, the technology’s success hinges on efficient execution. Challenges include securing consistent fly ash supplies, managing costs, and training workers. However, SECL’s Chairman, Harish Duhan, remains optimistic: “This isn’t just about a single mine—it’s about reimagining mining’s role in a sustainable future.”  

Conclusion 

SECL’s ₹7,040 crore bet on paste fill technology marks a turning point for India’s coal industry. By prioritizing waste recycling, community safety, and innovative engineering, the project exemplifies how resource extraction can coexist with ecological and social responsibility. As climate pressures mount, such initiatives could redefine coal’s role in India’s energy transition—proving that even legacy industries can drive transformative change.