Coal India Limited (CIL) is increasing coal despatches through a mechanized loading system integrated with Auto Mechanical Samplers to ensure greater consistency and quality in domestic coal supply. This technology-driven process minimizes human interference and addresses consumer quality concerns. To ensure impartial and credible coal quality determination as per Fuel Supply Agreements, CIL uses independent Third Party Sampling Agencies (TPSAs) for sampling and testing at its coal loading points. Currently, 11 TPSAs, empaneled by Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFCL), are engaged in this process, allowing consumers to choose their preferred agency for quality assessment. As of December FY2026, CIL had despatched approximately 375 Million Tonnes (MTs) of coal via rail, sampled by TPSAs. Half of these despatches utilized silos with installed auto mechanical samplers, ensuring high standards in coal quality process control. CIL aims to increase this proportion to around 80% in the current fiscal year through new first mile connectivity projects and silo-based loading. Based on quality sampling analysis from TPSAs and referee labs, CIL's overall grade conformity has improved to 85% by December of the ongoing fiscal year, up from 82% in the same period last year. The company's increased focus on silo loading is expected to further enhance this conformity. Furthermore, CIL is introducing online analysis at two of its subsidiaries to obtain real-time quality assessment results, promoting greater use of technology and transparency in the sampling process. Despite the inherent heterogeneity of Indian coal, which can lead to variations in grades even within the same seam, CIL is prioritizing technological advancements for quality assessment.
