Pakur: Jharkhand’s Pakur district strengthened its position as one of Jharkhand’s major coal-bearing districts after the Jharkhand Exploration and Mining Corporation Ltd (JEMCL) secured the Margo East and Margo West coal blocks in Littipara block. The two blocks have combined geological coal reserves of around 865 million tonnes and a proposed peak rated production capacity of 6.92 million tonnes a year. Both blocks are located in the Rajmahal coalfield region.
Formal Allocation Was Scheduled in Delhi
The formal allocation of the two blocks and signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) were scheduled in New Delhi on 17th September 2026. JEMCL managing director Varun Ranjan was also scheduled to attend the programme. According to official coal ministry data, Margo East has around 450 million tonnes of geological reserves, while Margo West has about 415 million tonnes. JEMCL secured the blocks in the commercial coal mine auction held in August, bidding a final revenue share of 10.25% for Margo East and 6.50% for Margo West.
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6.92 Million Tonnes of Annual Production Proposed
Margo East covers a mining lease area of about 554.8 hectares and has a peak rated production capacity of 3.6 million tonnes per annum. Margo West is spread over around 507.9 hectares and has a peak rated capacity of 3.32 million tonnes per annum. Together, the two projects are planned to produce nearly 6.92 million tonnes of coal annually. Both blocks contain G-10 grade coal, with technical assessments indicating that open-cast mining is likely to be adopted.
JEMCL’s Coal Resources Crossed 1,375 MT
The two new blocks will add to JEMCL’s growing coal portfolio in the region. The company had acquired the Jawaidaha North coal block in the 11th round of commercial coal mine auctions in 2025. The block has around 510 million tonnes of geological reserves and extends across parts of Pakur, Godda and Sahibganj districts. With Margo East, Margo West and Jawaidaha North together, JEMCL’s geological coal resources now stand at more than 1,375 million tonnes.
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JEMCL’s Coal Resources Crossed 1,375 MT
The two new blocks will add to JEMCL’s growing coal portfolio in the region. The company had acquired the Jawaidaha North coal block in the 11th round of commercial coal mine auctions in 2025. The block has around 510 million tonnes of geological reserves and extends across parts of Pakur, Godda and Sahibganj districts. With Margo East, Margo West and Jawaidaha North together, JEMCL’s geological coal resources now stand at more than 1,375 million tonnes.
Mining Could Expand Jobs and Local Business
JEMCL managing director, a 2014 batch IAS officer Varun Ranjan said that the allocation of the two blocks was an important development for Jharkhand’s mining sector. He said the company would develop the coal resources through scientific mining and in accordance with prescribed standards. The projects could create direct and indirect employment in Littipara and generate additional work for transporters, machinery suppliers, contractors, repair services and other local businesses. JEMCL said the projects would be taken forward after completing the required statutory procedures, while keeping the interests of local communities and environmental standards in view. The actual level of production and employment will become clear once the approved mining plans are implemented and operations begin.
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