South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has achieved a remarkable milestone by recording its highest-ever Over Burden Removal (OBR) for the month of August. The company registered 25.17 Million Cubic Meters (MCuM) of OBR during August 2025, surpassing its set target of 21.17 MCuM and achieving 115.8% of the goal.

This achievement marks a significant growth of 84.82% compared to 13.62 MCuM recorded in August 2024. The feat not only sets a new benchmark for SECL but also underscores its commitment to meeting operational targets well ahead of schedule.

Over Burden Removal, a critical stage in coal mining, involves removing layers of soil, rock, and other materials to expose coal seams in opencast mines. By ensuring faster and more efficient OBR, SECL paves the way for smoother coal production and future output.

In recent years, SECL has promoted the adoption of blast-free ripper technology in its mega projects. This innovation has enabled safer and more environmentally friendly removal of overburden, reducing risks while increasing operational efficiency.

The company has been entrusted with an ambitious annual target of 360 MCuM of OBR for the financial year 2025-26. With the August achievement, SECL has demonstrated strong progress toward this target, reinforcing its position as a key contributor to India’s coal production and energy security.