Banhardih Coal Block is a proposed opencast coal mine operated by Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (PVUNL), located in Latehar. It is a joint venture between NTPC Ltd. (74%) and Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (26%), with the coal produced mainly supporting the Patratu Thermal Power Station. The mine spans approximately 18 square kilometers, with total coal reserves around 1,372 million tonnes, including about 270 million tonnes of mineable reserves, primarily lignite for thermal use. Production capacity is planned at 12 million tonnes per annum, potentially peaking at 18 million tonnes.
The coal extracted from Banhardih Coal Block serves as a captive source of fuel for the Patratu Thermal Power Station, specifically supporting the larger 4,000 MW thermal power project for regional development and energy security. Environmental clearances have been obtained for this project, with water supply allocated from the nearby Patratu Dam (reservoir) to support operations.
Financial backing for the Banhardih Coal Block includes long-term funding from the Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC), which sanctioned a loan of ₹3,388.51 crore in September 2025 to support development and operational activities at the coal block.
🧑🏻🏫 Sudesh Kumar
