Key Achievements by MCL (April 2026):
- Coal Gasification Project: MCL and Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL) signed a land lease deal for a 350-acre, ₹25,000 crore project in Lakhanpur, Odisha, aimed at producing ammonium nitrate.
- CBI Investigation: A CBI team from New Delhi is investigating allegations of illegal coal removal in forest areas bordering MCL operational zones in Sundargarh, Odisha.
- Healthcare Initiative: MCL CMD inaugurated an AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) Pharmacy at the MCL headquarters in Burla to provide affordable healthcare, according to a report by PSU Watch.
- Tribal Displacement Concerns: Reports highlight ongoing concerns regarding tribal displacement, alleging that demolition of homes occurs without proper rehabilitation for residents in areas like Jorjabardast.
- Corporate Events: MCL held its Consumer Meet 2026 in January, focusing on consumer satisfaction and, as shown in this YouTube video, its Foundation Day 2026 was celebrated with a cultural program.
- Operational Highlights: As reported by Moneycontrol, MCL recorded significant growth in overburden removal and plans are in place for a new power plant.
Banned Suppliers: The company maintains a list of banned/delisted suppliers on its website for violating contract terms.
35th Foundation Day Celebrations at MCL
Mahanadi Coalfields Limited marked its 35th Foundation Day with pride and vibrant energy, celebrating a year of strong performance and collective achievements. The “Run for Excellence” brought together leadership, employees, and families in a spirited start to the celebrations. The interactive session with our former CMDs focused on future coal demand, sustainability, and strategic growth, provided insights of the industry and relevant issues . CMD Shri Uday Anant Kaole applauded the unwavering dedication of the MCL family and congratulated one and all for the successful year. He also acknowledged the continued support of Ministry of Coal, Coal India Limited, the Odisha State dministration, public representatives, and trade unions in enabling MCL to meet the growing energy demands of the country. The celebrations concluded with a spectacular performance by Padmashri Sonu Nigam, leaving everyone inspired and energized for the journey ahead.
An Unforgettable Evening
A magical night of music with the legendary Sonu Nigam made the 35th MCL Foundation Day celebration truly magical. Music, memories and moments that will stay forever!
Panel Discussion with Former CMDs
An insightful panel discussion and knowledge-sharing session with our former CMDs was a key highlight of MCL’s 35th Foundation Day celebrations. The former leadership shared strategic insights in two insightful sessions focused on “Coal Demand at a Crossroads – Harnessing Opportunities through Strategic Initiatives” and “Decline in Revenue & Profitability in MCL – Strategies for Sustainability & Best Use of Resources,” navigating industry challenges. Their experience-driven perspectives added depth and direction to strengthening operational efficiency and ensuring sustainable growth in a dynamic energy landscape. CMD, Functional Directors, employees from HQ and areas, and union representatives actively participated, fostering meaningful dialogue and reinforcing MCL’s commitment to excellence, resilience, and national energy security.
Run for Excellence
“Run for Excellence” marked the beginning of the 35th Foundation Day celebrations at Mahanadi Coalfields Limited. Employees and their family members actively participated in the run, showcasing great zeal and team spirit, symbolizing the collective journey towards progress and excellence. Shri Uday Anant Kaole, CMD, MCL, along with functional directors of the company and former CMDs, flagged off the run from Anand Vihar grounds at the company headquarters in Sambalpur. Similarly the run for female employees was flagged off by Smt Suwarna Kaole, President Jagruti Mahila Mandal along with Vice presidents and former presidents of Jagruti Mahila Mandal. Following the run, former CMDs of the company delivered insightful addresses on this occasion, congratulating Team MCL for a successful year. The event concluded with a Prize Distribution Ceremony at Jagruti Vihar, recognizing the outstanding efforts of the participants.
Siddharth Wins Foundation Day Golf Championship!
Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd’s Foundation Day Golf Tournament 2026 was successfully organised at the Mahanadi Golf Club at Sambalpur. The 18-hole annual sporting event, a key highlight of MCL Day celebrations, witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 60 serving and veteran employees of MCL. The tournament was formally inaugurated by Shri Uday Anant Kaole, CMD, in the august presence of Functional Directors and the CVO. Former CMDs Shri A.R. Sharma, Shri S.N. Sharma, Shri S.R. Upadhayay and Shri O.P. Singh also graced the occasion and participated in the tournament, adding prestige and legacy to the event. Siddharth Bhoina, Manager (Finance/M&S), emerged as the Overall Champion of the MCL day Golf tournament. MCL takes pride in having developed and established the first golf club in the state of Odisha, providing employees and golf enthusiasts an opportunity to hone their skills, promote fitness and foster camaraderie in a serene sporting environment.
AMRIT Pharmacy inaugurated at MCL
Shri Uday Anant Kaole, CMD, inaugurated the AMRIT pharmacy at Anand Vihar colony, HQ, reinforcing the commitment to accessible and quality healthcare for all. Shri Keshav Rao (Director HR), Shri AK Behura (Director Finance), Shri PK Patel (CVO), Shri SK Jha (Director Technical), along with senior officials and the dedicated medical team, were also present on this occasion. Launched under a Government of India initiative, AMRIT provides life-saving medicines and implants at significantly reduced prices, easing the financial burden on patients while ensuring availability of quality treatment.
MCL signed a ₹25,000 crore deal with BCGCL for India’s first coal gasification plant in Odisha
In a major step towards advancing India’s coal gasification roadmap, a landmark land leasing agreement was signed between Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) and Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL) for the upcoming Coal to Ammonium Nitrate Project at Lakhanpur in Odisha. The signing ceremony was held in New Delhi in the august presence of the Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G Kishan Reddy. The project, envisaged as a Coal to 2000 TPD Ammonium Nitrate facility, marks a historic breakthrough as India’s first coal gasification project to deploy indigenously developed gasification technology by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). It reflects a decisive shift towards indigenous innovation, technological advancement, and reduced dependence on imported technologies in the energy and chemical sectors. Spread over approximately 350 acres of land under the possession of MCL, the project has been enabled through recent progressive policy reforms of the Ministry of Coal. These reforms enable the utilisation of Coal Bearing Area (CBA) land for coal gasification projects, unlocking new pathways for value-added utilisation of India’s abundant coal resources and strengthening the sector’s diversification.
