Coal India's R&D Push: ₹1,900 Cr to Boost Productivity, Cleaner Tech

CIL has also struck international deals. One with Ergo Exergy of Canada covers an underground coal gasification project at Eastern Coalfields Ltd. Another with Ericsson of Sweden tests 5G technology at the Jhanjra underground mine. A separate agreement with CSIRO of Australia covers collaborative research.

Coal India accounts for more than 80% of domestic coal output. The company said it is moving beyond proof-of-concept work toward prototype development at Technology Readiness Level 4 and above, a shift that points to deployable products in the pipeline.

For the sector, the R&D investment represents roughly 0.6% of CIL's annual revenue at current run rate and focuses on real-world application rather than lab research. The underground coal gasification project with Ergo Exergy, if commercialised, could open a new energy source from otherwise unmineable seams. The 5G pilot at Jhanjra positions CIL as a test case for industrial connectivity in underground mining, a use case that equipment suppliers and software firms will watch closely.

CIL did not detail specific milestones beyond the FY30 investment target. The company's next quarterly update may offer more colour on project timelines.