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The Print
6 days ago
- Business
- The Print
Polish major among 6 firms in fray for Deocha Pachami coal mining contract: WBPDCL
'The global expression of interest (EoI) process for underground coal mining has commenced, with six participants expressing interest, including one from Poland. We are working closely and expect to complete the process soon,' WBPDCL Chairman and Managing Director P B Salim told PTI. The world's second-largest coal mining project is expected to attract an investment of Rs 35,000 crore over its project period, according to state government estimates. Kolkata, Jul 13 (PTI) The West Bengal Power Development Corporation Ltd (WBPDCL) is hopeful of finalising the appointment of a mine developer and operator (MDO) soon for underground mining at the mega Deocha Pachami coal block in Birbhum district, with six companies, including one from Poland, already expressing interest through a global tender process, a senior official said. WBPDCL Director (Mining) Chanchal Goswami said the EoI was part of the broader global tender floated on December 20, 2024, along with the geological report and draft notice inviting tender (NIT). 'We are working with these six bidders to take forward the tendering process, with India's leading underground mining firms, and a Polish major, participating,' he said. The list of bidders who have shown initial interest includes JMS Mining Pvt Ltd, Gainwell Commosales Pvt Ltd, Minop Innovative Technologies Pvt Ltd, Minsol Ltd, Maheshwari Mining Pvt Ltd, and JSW SA, the largest underground coal mining company in Poland. 'In parallel, we are also awaiting the expert study report from the National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM), Bengaluru, given the complex geological challenges at Deocha Pachami. The coal seams are overlaid by thick basalt rock layers, and the NIRM report will help us finalise the mining strategy,' Salim said. The Deocha Pachami coal block, estimated to hold 1,000 to 1,200 million tonnes of reserves, is considered among the largest in the world. However, its development has been delayed due to land acquisition issues, environmental sensitivities, and the site's challenging geology, including a hard basalt overburden ranging from 100 to 200 metres and fault lines. 'Underground mining is the only viable option for Deocha Pachami given the land acquisition constraints. WBPDCL will also prepare a parallel detailed project report (DPR) to validate the project framework, with assistance from CMPDI,' another official said. Despite market scepticism over private sector participation in underground mining due to high technical risks and capital requirements, WBPDCL's recent pilot project for basalt rock removal has attracted strong interest. 'Basalt rock extraction has already begun. The government started bidding with a 15 per cent revenue share, but it went up to 71.5 per cent — this was unimaginable,' the official said. The pilot project commenced after a ceremonial 'bhoomi puja' in February 2025. It spans an initial 12 acres, with plans to expand to 326 acres. Meanwhile, the tender process has attracted scrutiny, with the CPI(M) demanding a judicial probe into the ballast mining contracts, citing concerns over transparency. Separately, the state government is exploring underground coal gasification for around 30 per cent of the block where conventional mining may not be feasible. The remaining 70 per cent is planned to be developed through a mix of underground and opencast mining, wherever possible. The success of the basalt extraction has provided fresh momentum for advancing Deocha Pachami's underground coal development, which is seen as crucial to West Bengal's future energy security and industrial growth, officials said. PTI BSM ACD This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Polish major among 6 firms in fray for Deocha Pachami coal mining contract: WBPDCL
WBPDCL is nearing the finalisation of an MDO for underground mining at the Deocha Pachami coal block, attracting interest from six companies, including a Polish firm. This project, expected to draw Rs 35,000 crore in investment, faces geological challenges addressed by an NIRM study. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The West Bengal Power Development Corporation Ltd ( WBPDCL ) is hopeful of finalising the appointment of a mine developer and operator (MDO) soon for underground mining at the mega Deocha Pachami coal block in Birbhum district, with six companies, including one from Poland, already expressing interest through a global tender process, a senior official world's second-largest coal mining project is expected to attract an investment of Rs 35,000 crore over its project period, according to state government estimates."The global expression of interest (EoI) process for underground coal mining has commenced, with six participants expressing interest, including one from Poland. We are working closely and expect to complete the process soon," WBPDCL Chairman and Managing Director P B Salim told Director (Mining) Chanchal Goswami said the EoI was part of the broader global tender floated on December 20, 2024, along with the geological report and draft notice inviting tender (NIT)."We are working with these six bidders to take forward the tendering process, with India's leading underground mining firms, and a Polish major, participating," he list of bidders who have shown initial interest includes JMS Mining Pvt Ltd, Gainwell Commosales Pvt Ltd, Minop Innovative Technologies Pvt Ltd, Minsol Ltd, Maheshwari Mining Pvt Ltd, and JSW SA, the largest underground coal mining company in Poland."In parallel, we are also awaiting the expert study report from the National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM), Bengaluru, given the complex geological challenges at Deocha Pachami. The coal seams are overlaid by thick basalt rock layers, and the NIRM report will help us finalise the mining strategy," Salim Deocha Pachami coal block, estimated to hold 1,000 to 1,200 million tonnes of reserves, is considered among the largest in the world. However, its development has been delayed due to land acquisition issues, environmental sensitivities, and the site's challenging geology, including a hard basalt overburden ranging from 100 to 200 metres and fault lines."Underground mining is the only viable option for Deocha Pachami given the land acquisition constraints. WBPDCL will also prepare a parallel detailed project report (DPR) to validate the project framework, with assistance from CMPDI," another official market scepticism over private sector participation in underground mining due to high technical risks and capital requirements, WBPDCL's recent pilot project for basalt rock removal has attracted strong interest. Basalt rock extraction has already begun. The government started bidding with a 15 per cent revenue share, but it went up to 71.5 per cent -- this was unimaginable," the official pilot project commenced after a ceremonial 'bhoomi puja' in February 2025. It spans an initial 12 acres, with plans to expand to 326 the tender process has attracted scrutiny, with the CPI(M) demanding a judicial probe into the ballast mining contracts, citing concerns over the state government is exploring underground coal gasification for around 30 per cent of the block where conventional mining may not be feasible. The remaining 70 per cent is planned to be developed through a mix of underground and opencast mining, wherever success of the basalt extraction has provided fresh momentum for advancing Deocha Pachami's underground coal development, which is seen as crucial to West Bengal's future energy security and industrial growth, officials said.
The Hindu
05-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Allegations of tender irregularity, fraud at Deocha-Pachami coal project ‘baseless': WBPDCL
The West Bengal Power Development Corporation (WBPDCL) on Friday (July 4, 2025) refuted allegations of tender breach and financial fraud made by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on the tendering process behind the Deocha-Pachami-Dewanganj-Harisingha (DPDH) coal mining project in West Bengal's Birbhum. A senior official of the WBPDCL told The Hindu on Friday that the CPI(M)'s demand for a judicial probe into the tendering process of the coal project 'makes no sense'. CPI(M) State Secretary Mohammad Salim on Thursday had accused the Trinamool government and WBPDCL of breach of tender guidelines, violations of allotment agreement, and miscategorisation of the coal mine 'to bypass the need for environmental clearances and public hearings.' Addressing CPI(M)'s allegations of irregularities in the tendering process, the WBPDCL official said that the tendering process was conducted on a national e-procurement system operated by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). 'A total of 11 companies had shown interest, of which eight had qualified and participated in the tender process. Five of them were from other States like Maharashtra, Haryana and Jharkhand. Of them, the company with the highest bid value of 71.5% revenue share was selected. This means, in a revenue sharing model, 71.5% of the profit would go to the government,' the official claimed. They added that this is the highest bid value received by any company pertaining to basalt or stone mining so far in the State, for this kind of tender. WBPDCL also refuted allegations that clearances were not obtained and the mining plan was not submitted before mining operations began at the DPDH project. 'All necessary clearances have been obtained. A series of statutory clearances and permissions is required to operate a mine. We have obtained the necessary permissions, submitted our mining plan, secured consent to operate from the Director General of Mines Safety, and obtained other requisite clearances. It must be remembered that DPDH is a continuous project which will go on for months and years,' the WBPDCL official said. The official further stated that the reason basalt had to be mined before coal is that, unlike in other coal mines, the coal in the DPDH project is trapped under a layer of basalt, which is 80 metres to 200 metres thick. 'How can we mine the coal if we do not mine the basalt first? It is not clear why questions are being raised on the ongoing basalt mining project given these circumstances,' the official said. CPI(M) leader Mr. Salim had raised questions on why a power development corporation was concerned with the basalt mining work at the DPDH mine. On the CPI(M)'s allegations that the mining work was started in a 12-acre area 'to deliberately bypass the need for clearances and a public hearing needed for a mine of a bigger scale', the WBPDCL official told The Hindu that 'it is not possible to start mining operations in the entirety of the 3,500 acre project area at once.' However, the CPI(M) had also alleged the tender guidelines were breached when the company selected as the mine developer and operator at DPDH, 'Trancemarine and Confreight Logistics Private Limited', reportedly underwent an acquisition after being awarded the contract. No clarification was given on this matter. The CPI(M) State Secretary, Mr. Salim had alleged that the acquisition and consequent ownership change of the selected company violates WBPDCL's own tender conditions and 'hints at deep corruption in the DPDH project'. It is worth noting that there have also been prolonged and widespread protests in the Mohammed Bazar block of Birbhum district, where locals accused the government of 'tricking them into surrendering land' for the DPDH coal project in exchange for lucrative benefits.
The Wire
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Wire
CPI(M) Alleges Ties to Abhishek Banerjee, Massive Corruption in Deocha-Pachami Coal Project
Bankura: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has demanded a judicial inquiry into the controversial Deocha-Pachami coal mining project in Birbhum district of West Bengal. At a press conference held on July 3 at the party's state headquarters on Alimuddin Street, CPI(M) state secretary Mohammed Salim alleged large-scale corruption, environmental violations, and illegal tender procedures, accusing both the Trinamool Congress (TMC)-led state government and the BJP-led Union government of complicity. Salim presented evidence alleging that the state government secured environmental clearance for the project fraudulently. He claimed the union environment ministry had granted clearance for a mere 12 acres, despite the project's actual size being over 431 hectares, which would necessitate a mandatory public hearing and full environmental scrutiny as a Category A project. 'This environmental certificate is practically fraudulent and was given under the auspices of the BJP-led Union government. Both the Centre and the state are responsible,'alleged Salim. The West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited (WBPDCL) awarded the mining contract in March 2024 to Trancemarine & Confreight Logistics Pvt Ltd, a Mumbai-based firm with no prior mining experience, at a 71.05% revenue share. In April, 2025 Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd, a Kolkata-based firm, acquired 60% of Trancemarine for a mere Rs 4.23 crore. Himadri also issued a Rs 150 crore loan to Sturdy Niketan, an obscure entity with no turnover, allegedly for royalty payments. According to a company release, Trancemarine's annual turnover for FY23-24 was Rs 35.69 crore, much higher than what Himadri is paying for its acquisition. 'Once someone is given a tender, it cannot be passed to someone else. This is a direct violation of WBPDCL policy. Sturdy Niketan, which has zero income, is being used as a front for illicit financial flows,' Salim claimed. Interestingly, Himadri Chemicals, now central to the project, had earlier invested in Tidings Media & Communication Pvt Ltd, which acquired the Bengali daily Ei Samay from the Times Group. One of Tidings' major stakeholders is Sanjay Basu, known to be a legal advisor and close confidante of both Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew, the Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee. In February 2025, CM Banerjee claimed at the Bengal Global Business Summit that coal mining had begun at Deucha-Pachami and promised over one lakh jobs. However, CPI(M) pointed out that WBPDCL has not even submitted the required geological report or mining plan to the Union coal ministry, 66 months after the coal block was allotted in overall project, including basalt mining, is expected to generate over Rs 1,500 crore in profits, raising serious questions about insider profiteering. 'Where is the coal? It was said that above 100,000 people would be employed, where is employment? The fact is that stones will be extracted from that land,' Salim said. Documents indicate that the coal mining lease process remains incomplete, and no private company applied to mine the block even after two deadline extensions in 2025. In November 2023, the state government authorised WBPDCL to mine basalt on 431.47 acres, with an estimated profit of Rs 5,600 crore. In June 2024, Pachami Basalt Mining PrivateLimited was incorporated in Kolkata. Neither Sturdy Niketan nor Pachami Basalt Mining Private Limited has an official website, and their corporate listing links to Basalt mining began in Deucha-Pachami site in February this year, but locals demanded a permanent halt, citing severe environmental and health hazards and alleging that forest land was cleared without informing the resident tribal communities.
The Hindu
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
WB CPI(M) demands judicial inquiry in tendering process of Deocha Pachami coal project
Alleging breach of tender guidelines and violations of the allotment agreement concerning the Deocha-Pachami-Dewanganj-Harisingha (DPDH) coal mining project, Communist Party of India (Marxist) State Secretary Mohammad Salim on Thursday (July 3, 2025) sought a judicial inquiry in the matter. The CPI(M) leader claimed that the coal mining project was a 'big scam' and demanded that the implementation of the project be halted till the allegations are probed. Mr. Salim said that in March 2024, a private company called Trancemarine and Confreight Logistics Private Limited was selected as the mine developer and operator (MDO) for basalt mining through West Bengal Power Development Corporation's (WBPDCL's) tendering process but later the company was acquired by a 'giant corporation called Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd' in April 2025. 'An acquisition or ownership change of the selected company violates WBPDCL's tender conditions and hints at deep corruption in the DPDH project… Basalt mining alone will lead to profits of ₹5000 crores. Trancemarine, and now its new owners, Himadri, will also be entitled to a big chunk of that profit,' the CPI(M) leader told journalists. The CPI(M) State secretary alleged that leaders of the ruling dispensation are also set to profit off the purported acquisition due to their alleged links to 'Himadri Speciality Chemical'. 'The government is in cahoots with private players to line its own pockets,' he said. Alleging lack of transparency or accountability in its operations of the mega coal mining project the CPI(M) leader the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre of being a 'silent enabler of Trinamool's corruption.' 'Firstly, why is a power development corporation issuing tenders for a basalt mining project? The WBPDCL was supposed to prepare and submit a geological report and a mining plan to the Union Ministry of Coal within 21 months of the allotment agreement. It has been 66 months since then. Till today, no such report or plan has been submitted,' Mr Salim alleged at a press conference in the party's headquarters at Kolkata's Muzaffar Ahmad Bhavan. Mr. Salim accused the Trinamool government of 'deliberately miscategorising the project as a small 12-acre mine to bypass the need for environmental clearances and public hearings'. The DPDH coal mining project, located in Birbhum's Mohammad Bazar block and allocated to the WBPDCL, started operations in a 12-acre area after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's announcement at the Bengal Global Business Summit on February 6 this year. Ms Banerjee had claimed earlier this year that DPDH is the largest coal block in India and the second-largest coal block in the world, with estimated reserves of about 1,240 million tonnes (MT) of coal and 675 MT of basalt. Meanwhile, WBPDCL authorities had earlier said that the project area spans a total of 3540 acres, and the basalt has to be extracted first from the top of the coal, which lies at a considerable depth of 300 metres to 1,000 metres. Notably, there were prolonged and continuing protests by local activists and residents against the DPDH coal project, over allegations of displacement of the indigenous people and 'violations of rights of the tribals to water, forest and land codified in the Forest Rights Act, 2006'. In April this year, in a hearing of a petition concerning the DPDH coal mining project, the Calcutta High Court had directed the West Bengal government and the WBPDCL to file affidavits.
