Jharia Division, Tata Steel Limited

Jharia completes a 100 years of operations on April 4,2010. The Jharia division came to life when the Bhelatand ‘A’ colliery kicked off operations back in 1910.

Coal mining in Jharia started when Tata Group founder, the late J N Tata, visited Pittsburgh, where he was introduced to Charles Page Perin, a consulting engineer. Later Mr Perrin and his associate C M Weld visited India to conduct an elaborate survey of iron ore and coal deposits in the country. After examining these deposits Mr Perin concluded that coking coal suitable for use in steel-making could be obtained from Jharia coal fields.

Ever since Mr Perin’s recommendation, Jharia coalfields have been fulfilling coal needs of Tata Steel. In 2008-09, raw coal production at Jharia crossed 15.86 lakh tonne. Spread across 5,500 acres, six collieries of the Jharia division have been grouped in two locations – Sijua and Jamadoba. The Bhelatand Colliery that is celebrating its centenary this year was acquired in 1910 by Tata Steel (formerly known as Tata Iron and Steel Company). Subsequently, in 1918 it acquired Malhera in Sijua as well as Jamadoba, Digwadih and 6&7 Pits collieries of the Jamadoba group.

Sustainable mining operations at Jharia division continues to be the single largest factor responsible for Tata Steel’s consistent growth, as it has contributed to expansion and growth projects initiated by the company.