Western Coalfields records 4.3 pc coal production growth:Chug

Nagpur, Apr 13 (UNI) Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) has registered a growth of 4.3 per cent over the previous year, surpassing its annual coal production target for 2005-06.

Talking to reporters here today, WCL Chairman and Managing Director G S Chug said his company ended the financial year 2005-06 with the highest production of 43.20 million tonnes, as against the annual target of 41.90 million tonnes and last year's 41.41 million tonnes.

He said WCL is the only subsidiary of Coal India, which has maintained positive growth from underground mines. During the year, it had surpassed ten million tonnes coal production from its underground mines for the first time in its history.

Mr Chug said the company's estimated turnover during the year was Rs 4,906 crore, an increase of Rs 401 crore over the previous year's Rs 4,505 crore. The estimated profit was Rs 1,351 crore against the previous year's Rs 935 crore.

WCI supplies coal to at least 16 companies including thermal power plants, steel plants and power houses, he added.

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