Chandrapur: The Mining Capital of Maharashtra

The sun rises over Chandrapur, casting light on a land rich with hidden treasures beneath its surface. This district in Vidarbha has long been a focal point for those drawn to its mineral wealth.

The story of its mines, etched into the region’s past and present, unfolds across decades, shaping lives and landscapes in ways that continue to spark curiosity.

The Roots of Chandrapur’s Mining Past

Chandrapur’s connection to mining stretches back many years, earning it the title of Maharashtra’s mining capital.

Known as the "Black Gold City," the district owes much of its identity to coal, a resource that has defined its economic path.

By 2012, the area was home to 27 coal mines, a testament to the scale of extraction that has taken place. Beyond coal, the region’s geological diversity includes limestone, iron ore, clay, fluorite, copper ore, chromite, and granite, making it a hub for various industries. This mineral abundance has drawn attention for generations, with records suggesting mining activities gained momentum during colonial times, though precise dates remain scarce.

The district’s coal seams have been central to its growth. Mines operated by companies like Western Coalfields Limited have supplied raw materials to power plants and factories, laying the foundation for Chandrapur’s industrial prominence.

Limestone and iron ore deposits have supported cement and steel production, while smaller quantities of other minerals have found use in specialised sectors.

This variety has earned Chandrapur the nickname "geological museum," reflecting a wealth that has sustained livelihoods and powered development.

Over time, mining shaped not only the economy but also the region’s infrastructure, with railways and roads expanding to transport resources to distant markets.

The early days of mining relied on manual labour and basic tools, with workers toiling in open-pit and underground operations.

As demand for coal grew, so did the scale of extraction, transforming small-scale efforts into large industrial ventures.

By the mid-20th century, Chandrapur’s mines were a key part of Maharashtra’s industrial framework, contributing to the state’s energy and manufacturing sectors. The district’s role as a supplier of raw materials cemented its place in India’s broader economic story, with coal from its mines fuelling power stations and factories across the region.

Mining in Chandrapur Today

In 2025, Chandrapur remains a cornerstone of Maharashtra’s mining industry, with coal continuing to dominate its output. The district’s mines feed a range of industries, including cement, paper, and ferroalloy production, which rely on steady supplies of coal, limestone, and other minerals. At the heart of this activity is the Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station, a 3,340-megawatt coal-based facility that employs around 3,460 people.

This plant generates over 25% of Maharashtra’s electricity, underscoring the district’s critical role in the state’s energy landscape.

Recent years have seen efforts to expand mining operations. In 2023, the Maharashtra Directorate of Geology and Mining invited bids for 19 new mining leases covering nearly 10,200 hectares, with a significant portion located in Chandrapur and nearby Gadchiroli.

These leases target not only coal but also bauxite, limestone, and iron ore, reflecting the district’s diverse mineral base. The push for expansion highlights the ongoing demand for Chandrapur’s resources as industries seek to meet growing energy and construction needs. However, many of these new sites lie in forested areas, adding complexity to the region’s mining activities.

The Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, located near Chandrapur, is home to several active mines, with six currently operational and six more allocated for future development.

This overlap between mining and conservation zones has drawn attention as the region balances industrial growth with its natural heritage. Coal remains the primary focus, but the extraction of other minerals continues to support local factories and national supply chains. The district’s mining operations employ thousands, from labourers to engineers, sustaining communities that depend on these jobs for their livelihoods.

Modern mining in Chandrapur uses advanced machinery and techniques, a far cry from the manual methods of the past. Conveyor belts, heavy excavators, and automated systems now handle much of the work, increasing efficiency but requiring skilled workers.

The industry’s growth has also brought improvements to local infrastructure, with better roads and rail links facilitating the transport of minerals. Despite these advancements, the district’s mining sector faces ongoing scrutiny as its economic contributions are weighed against other impacts.

The Benefits Mining Brings

Mining has long been a driver of Chandrapur’s economy, creating jobs and supporting industries that form the backbone of the region.

The Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station alone employs over 3,000 people, offering stable incomes to families across the district.

Beyond direct employment, mining supports countless indirect jobs in transport, logistics, and related sectors. Truck drivers, railway workers, and maintenance crews all benefit from the steady flow of minerals leaving Chandrapur’s mines.

The district’s coal fuels not only local industries but also Maharashtra’s energy grid. The power station’s output ensures electricity for homes, businesses, and factories, contributing to the state’s development. Coal from Chandrapur supports cement plants and paper mills, which employ additional workers and produce goods for national markets. Limestone and iron ore extraction bolsters construction and steel industries, linking the district to broader economic networks.

Infrastructure has also seen gains from mining. Roads connecting mines to processing plants and railheads have improved access for rural communities, while investments in power lines and water systems have enhanced living conditions.

Schools, hospitals, and markets in mining towns owe part of their existence to the wealth generated by the industry. For many in Chandrapur, mining represents opportunity, providing a path to financial stability in a region where other industries are less prominent.

The district’s role as a mineral supplier has elevated its status within Maharashtra, attracting government and corporate attention. Mining companies invest in local projects, from community centres to training programmes, fostering a sense of progress. The economic ripple effects extend beyond Chandrapur, as its resources power industries and households across the state, reinforcing its importance to India’s industrial framework.

The Challenges Mining Presents

While mining drives Chandrapur’s economy, it also brings significant challenges, particularly to the environment and local communities.

A 2024 study on groundwater quality, conducted using remote sensing and geographic information systems, revealed troubling trends linked to mining and industrial activities.

Between 2014 and 2018, chloride levels in groundwater near mining sites rose slightly, with some areas recording concentrations as high as 163 milligrams per litre. Fluoride levels also increased, reaching up to 4 milligrams per litre in certain locations, exceeding safe drinking water limits set by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

These changes pose health risks, with elevated fluoride levels associated with conditions like fluorosis, which affects teeth and bones. The study noted a decline in pH levels, potentially impacting aquatic ecosystems, while higher residual sodium carbonate values threatened agricultural soils.

Other contaminants, including salinity, nitrate, arsenic, and heavy metals like lead, were found in groundwater, with some measurements far exceeding permissible limits. These findings point to acidic mine drainage and pollutant release as key concerns, driven by coal and mineral extraction.

Mining in Chandrapur’s forested areas has led to social and ecological tensions. The district’s proximity to the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, a critical habitat for tigers and other wildlife, complicates matters. The expansion of mining leases into these zones has reduced forest cover, bringing humans and animals into closer contact.

Reports indicate increased man-animal conflicts as wildlife habitats shrink under the pressure of industrial growth. Local communities, dependent on forests for resources, face disruptions to their way of life.

Protests have emerged in response to the spread. In one notable instance, an environmental activist lived on a tree near a coal mine to draw attention to forest loss, highlighting the stakes for Chandrapur’s natural heritage.

The allocation of new mining sites in forested areas, covering thousands of hectares, has fuelled debates about the district’s future. Communities living near mines also report dust and noise from operations, affecting daily life and health.

The scale of mining has strained local resources. Water used for washing coal and other processes competes with agricultural and domestic needs, while waste from mines adds to pollution.

The district’s rivers and streams, vital for farming and fishing, show signs of contamination, with studies pointing to mining as a contributing factor.

These challenges reflect the complex balance Chandrapur navigates as it seeks to harness its mineral wealth while addressing the costs to its environment and people.

Chandrapur’s mines continue to pulse with activity, their output shaping the district’s present and future. Workers head to the pits each day, machines work with purpose, and trains carry coal to distant destinations.

The story of this place, carved from earth and effort, remains open-ended, with each chapter adding new layers to its unfolding narrative.