Singrauli: N. Franklin Jayakumar has assumed charge as Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), the Singrauli-based subsidiary of Coal India Limited. He took over the position on Tuesday.
A seasoned mining professional, Jayakumar brings more than 34 years of experience in underground and mechanised opencast coal mining, lignite mining and operations in India and abroad.
Prior to his appointment as NCL CMD, Jayakumar served as Director (Technical/Operations) at South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), another subsidiary of Coal India Limited. During his tenure, he played a significant role in the company’s record performance in coal production, dispatch and overburden removal, while promoting mine modernisation and mechanisation.
He also led several long-term development initiatives at SECL, including solar energy, green mobility, coal gasification and energy storage. In addition, he worked towards promoting technology-driven automation and transparency in coal sampling processes.
Before joining SECL, Jayakumar held various positions at Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Limited, including Executive Director/Coal Coordinator and Project Head for the Talabira II & III mines.
Jayakumar began his professional career with Singareni Collieries Company Limited, where he worked in various capacities in mechanised underground and opencast mines. He later led a coal mining project in Indonesia before joining NLC India Limited, where he handled several operational and technical responsibilities. His assignments at NLC India also included leading an ambitious lignite-to-methanol project.
An alumnus of the College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University, Chennai, Jayakumar holds a bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering. He also possesses a postgraduate diploma in Environmental Engineering and Management from the Central University, Hyderabad, and an MBA in Human Resource Management from Alagappa University, Tamil Nadu.
With his extensive experience in mining operations, technology adoption and sustainable energy initiatives, Jayakumar takes charge of NCL at a time when modernisation and operational efficiency remain important priorities for the coal industry.
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