FCC

Coal India Boosts Quality Control With Automated Sampling Systems

2026-01-27

Coal India (CIL) is intensifying its focus on coal quality assurance by expanding the deployment of automated sampling systems at key coal loading points, particularly through silo-based mechanised infrastructure. The move is aimed at ensuring greater consistency in grade determination, minimising variations associated with manual sampling, and strengthening transparency in coal quality assessment.

The state-owned miner has been increasingly loading coal through silos equipped with auto mechanical samplers, which enable uniform and unbiased collection of samples. This technology-driven approach supports impartial quality measurement and aligns with the provisions of standard fuel supply agreements, under which independent third-party sampling agencies are appointed to collect and analyse coal samples. By reducing subjectivity and human intervention, automated sampling is expected to help curb disputes between Coal India and its consumers over declared coal grades.

During the current financial year, Coal India has despatched hundreds of millions of tonnes of coal through rail routes, with a significant share sampled using automated systems. The company is now targeting to increase the proportion of coal handled through silo-based automated sampling to around 80 per cent of its total despatches in the ongoing year. This expansion is being supported by the commissioning of new first-mile connectivity projects and the addition of silo infrastructure across its subsidiary companies.

According to the company, quality results from third-party sampling agencies and referee laboratories indicate an improvement in overall grade conformity compared to the previous year. The data highlights the effectiveness of mechanised sampling in delivering more accurate, repeatable and reliable quality outcomes.

Coal India’s push towards automated sampling forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen quality assurance amid rising demand from power producers and industrial consumers for fuel that meets strict specifications. The adoption of technology-enabled quality control also aligns with global industry trends favouring automated mechanical sampling as a best practice for ensuring accuracy, transparency and credibility in coal quality assessment.

News source: BW BusinessWorld

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