NTPC to start coal mining at Chatti-Bariatu mines

NTPC is planning to foray into coal mining by starting production at its Chatti-Bariatu mines in Jharkhand. The production from the Chatti-Bariatu mines is expected to be around 1 million tonnes and will commence by the end of the fiscal. The company has ventured into coal mining in a bid to create fuel security. The utility plans to meet about 20% of its requirement of coal from its captive mines by 2017. The company has been allotted seven coal blocks -- Chatti-Bariatu, Chatti-Bariatu (South), Pakri Barwadih, Kerandari, Brahmani, Chichiro Patsimal and Dulanga. These blocks are in the coal-rich state of Jharkhand, with the exception of Dulanga, which is in Odisha. NTPC is the largest power generating company in the country. It has also diversified into hydro power, coal mining, power equipment manufacturing, oil & gas exploration, power trading & distribution.