Coal India Limited (CIL) is exploring the possibility of transforming its decommissioned mines into modern data centres, in line with the country’s broader digital infrastructure expansion and sustainability goals. The initiative aligns with national programmes such as Digital India and Make in India and represents an innovative reuse of industrial assets.
Company officials have identified potential sites across several subsidiaries, including locations in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh. These areas, once hubs of coal production, are now being assessed for their suitability to host energy-intensive data centre operations. Detailed feasibility studies and suitability assessments are underway, supported by a structured framework to evaluate technical and economic viability.
Industry experts note that repurposing abandoned mines for data centres offers multiple advantages. The sites provide large tracts of land, stable underground conditions, and potential access to existing power infrastructure—all critical for running large-scale digital facilities. Such projects could also reduce the need for fresh land acquisition, aligning with environmental priorities while creating new opportunities for local economies.
The move is also seen as a strategic response to India’s rapidly growing demand for data storage and processing, driven by cloud adoption, e-commerce, and the expansion of artificial intelligence applications. Establishing a network of data centres within repurposed mines would strengthen India’s position as an emerging data hub in Asia.
Analysts believe the initiative could generate a new revenue stream for Coal India while accelerating the transition towards a more diversified and sustainable business model. If executed successfully, the project could set a precedent for other industrial sectors to explore innovative pathways for reusing decommissioned assets in support of digital and green growth.
