India: ECL to auction nearly 1 mnt of non-coking coal

• Rajmahal OC dominates overall offer basket
  
  
• Thermal coal demand remains firm amid summer
  
  

Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, is set to conduct its non-coking coal e-auction on 30 May 2026, offering nearly 1 mnt of coal through road and rail modes. The auction basket comprises G3, G4, G5, G11, G12, G13, W04, and W05 grade coal in both steam and run-of-mine (ROM) categories.

Rajmahal OC dominates offer basket

Rajmahal OC emerged as the largest contributor in the upcoming auction, offering a total of 0.6 mnt coal through road mode. The mine is offering 0.5 mnt of G13 ROM coal along with 0.1 mnt of G11 steam coal, making it the dominant supplier in the overall basket.

Another major contributor is HURA C OC, which is offering 0.2 mnt coal, including 0.1 mnt of G11 steam coal and 0.1 mnt of G12 ROM coal through road mode.

Lower-grade coal likely to attract washeries

Market participants stated that the large-volume lower-grade ROM and steam coal offers are expected to attract washery operators and blending units, as these consumers typically procure lower-grade coal for beneficiation and value addition. After washing and improving coal quality, the material is supplied to sponge iron manufacturers, who generally prefer higher-grade coal for efficient kiln operations and better productivity.

Belbaid, Pandaveswar, Salanpur add sizeable volumes

Among other key contributors, Belbaid cluster is offering 25,000 t of G5 steam coal through both rail and road modes. Pandaveswar B and Salanpur D are also offering 24,000 t each. Pandaveswar B is supplying G4 steam coal, while Salanpur D is offering W05 steam coal through mixed dispatch modes.

Thermal coal demand remains firm

Thermal coal demand is expected to remain firm amid rising summer power consumption, supporting active fuel procurement by thermal power plants.

However, bidding sentiment in the auction may remain cautious as sponge iron and steel demand stays subdued ahead of the monsoon, though ample domestic coal availability and diversified grade offerings are likely to support participation from regional industrial consumers.