New Delhi, April 4 -- India achieved a historic milestone as it crossed one billion tonnes of coal production on March 20 in 2024-25, surpassing last fiscal year's 997.83 million tonnes (MT).

With the fifth-largest coal reserves and as the second-largest consumer, coal remains crucial, contributing 55 per cent to the national energy mix and fuelling over 74 percent of total power generation.

According to the Ministry of Coal, the coal sector's success is attributed to the tireless efforts of Coal Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), private players, and the dedicated workforce of around 5 lakh mine workers across more than 350 coal mines.

"These coal miners, who have defied numerous challenges with unmatched dedication, have played a piv...