State-owned GMDC to expand lignite production as demand increases

Company says 10 million tonnes production this year, sees gaining business from small businesses

State-run Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) will expand its lignite coal production to gain from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) looking for cheaper fuel.

GMDC produced 8.5 million tonnes of lignite last year and plans to reach 10 million tonnes this year. "In the last six months, we have added 400 more customers and customers are increasing day-by-day. Our customer base among MSMEs in textiles, chemicals, and ceramics along with captive power plants is increasing since coal prices continue to remain high. Hence, we are increasing our lignite production this year by an additional 1.5 million tonnes even as we look