NLC India Limited (NLCIL), a Government of India enterprise, engaged in mining of lignite and generation of power through lignite based thermal power plants, has reported a fall of 9% in total lignite production during FY18 (Apr’17-Mar’18).
As per the data provided in the company’s annual report statement, NLC had achieved total lignite production of 251.53 LT (Lakh Tonne) in FY18, which had decreased 9% Y-o-Y from the previous year total of 276.17 LT in FY17. Notably, the production in FY17 was the highest for any year since the inception of NLC.
NLC is presently operating four lignite mines viz., three mines at Neyveli, in the state of Tamil Nadu and one lignite mine at Barsingsar in the state of Rajasthan with an aggregate capacity of 306 LTPA (Lakh Tonne per annum).
However, the production of lignite had increased only at the Barsingsar mine on the yearly basis, while the other mines had witnessed a fall in production in FY18.
| Name | FY18 | FY17 | % Change |
| Mine-I | 81.53 | 94.01 | -13% |
| Mine-IA | 27.46 | 27.8 | -1% |
| Mine-II | 126.7 | 140.23 | -10% |
| Barsingsar | 15.84 | 14.13 | 12% |
| Total | 251.53 | 276.17 | -9% |
Source: NLC Annual Report
Quantity in LT
The company had attained total overburden removal of 1851.35 LM3 (Lakh Cubic Metre) in FY18, down 10% Y-o-Y from 2058.14 LM3 in FY17. The sales of lignite had increased 22% Y-o-Y to 16.16 LT in FY18.
Operational Performance of Power Plants:
Apart from the mining business, NLC is also engaged in generation of power. The company is presently operating with installed capacity of 3731MW of Power Plants comprising Thermal Power Plants of 3240MW, Solar Power Plants of 440MW and Wind Power Plants of 51MW.
During FY18, the company had attained total power generation (Gross) of 20740.84 MU (Million Units) and had achieved sales of 17418.83 MU power during the year.
The average Plant Load Factor (PLF) of the thermal power plants of the company as a whole during FY18 was 72.37% as against the national average of 60.67%.
NLC had recorded net profit after tax (PAT) of INR 1956.78 Crore in FY18 as against INR 2456.66 Crore in FY17, and is planning to increase its overall lignite production capacity to 621.5 LTPA. The company is currently executing the following projects which are in different stages of implementation.
Future Mining Projects:
| Description | Capacity | Expected COD |
| Expansion of I & IA Lignite mines at Nevyeli | 40 | 2020-21 |
| Bithnok Lignite Mine in Rajasthan | 22.5 | 2019-20 |
| Halda Lignite Mine in Rajasthan | 19 | |
| Mine-III at Nevyeli | 115 | 2020-21 |
| Talabira II and III coal block in Odisha | 200 | 2018-19 |
Source: NLC Annual Report
Quantity in LT
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