Coal India is turning closed mines into data centers
Coal India Limited (CIL) is looking to give its closed mines a new life—as possible homes for data centers.
The idea is to boost India's digital infrastructure and make smart use of unused land, all while keeping things sustainable.
CIL will first run a detailed study to see how these sites could meet the country's rising demand for digital storage.
Study will check out tech trends and practical needs
The study will check out four locations—Umrer (WCL), Saraipali in Korba (SECL), Himgir Rampur near Jharsuguda (MCL), and Nigahi (NCL)—and dig into tech trends like digitisation, AI, IoT, 5G rollout, and cloud adoption.
They'll also look at practical stuff like internet access and power needs, with an eye on using renewable energy.
This project lines up with Digital India and Make in India goals, and CIL expects to have their findings ready by the third quarter of FY26 (October-December 2025).