The mine won first place for overall performance and first place for method of working.

Owned by Integrated Coal Mining Limited (ICML), the mine is one of the first private sector coal mines in India. Sarshatali supplies coal to several power stations owned and operated by Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation.

Norwest Corporation, a Salt Lake City-based mining consulting company, provides on-site management and technical consulting services to the mine under a five-year contract.

Services provided by Norwest include geologic evaluation, mine planning, environmental compliance, safety, training, and operations management.

Coal is currently produced at a rate of 2.4 million tonnes per annum, and ICML plans to increase production to 3.5Mtpa.

“Accomplishments at Sarshatali have been impressive,” Norwest said.

“Mine development was completed on schedule, all coal production targets have been met, and CESC reports significant benefits arising from the use of Sarshatali coal."

Norwest provides specialty consulting services to energy and mining companies, electric utilities, financial institutions, legal firms, and government agencies. The company serves a worldwide client base through offices in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Indonesia, and India.