Parbatipur:Coal extraction has restarted at the new phase of Barapukuria Coal Mine in Parbatipur upazila after a suspension lasting over two months. This development follows the completion of essential technical preparations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Khan Md. Zafar Sadik, General Manager of Barapukuria Coal Mining Company Limited, confirmed that full-scale coal extraction began on Sunday evening. The mine had been inactive since August 12 due to depleted reserves in the previous phase, which produced 415,000 tonnes of coal.
Trial extraction at the new No-1405 phase commenced on October 16. After finalizing the necessary technical setups, full-scale operations resumed, marking the end of the extended suspension. During the downtime, engineers and workers transferred heavy machinery and modern equipment to the new phase, developed safety structures, and completed technical renovations.
Khan Md. Zafar Sadik noted that the new phase posed significant technical challenges due to its complex geological conditions. Despite beginning trial extraction on October 16, additional time was needed to ready the phase for full production. Preliminary estimates suggest the new phase could yield between 300,000 to 380,000 tonnes of coal.
The mine's coal yard currently holds over 600,000 tonnes, exceeding its usual capacity of around 320,000 tonnes. Nevertheless, extraction continues to ensure a steady supply to the thermal power plant when it resumes operations.