India's JSW Steel Limited has been appointed as the developer and operator of the Dugda Coal Washery in Jharkhand by Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), a subsidiary of government-run Coal India Limited (CIL). The agreement grants JSW Steel a 25-year tenure and ensures a firm linkage of 2 million metric tons per year of coking coal and other washery products.

As part of the partnership, JSW Energy (Utkal), a consortium member, will consume by-products from the washery, which will be sold at market-linked prices. JSW Steel is focusing on securing domestic coking coal supplies and establishing reliable linkages through the acquisition of mines and the establishment or acquisition of washeries. The company is currently commissioning three coking coal mines in India to reduce dependency on imported coal, aiming to lower costs and enhance supply stability.