State-owned Coal India, which is targeting 908 million tonnes of output by 2020, has been denied environment clearance for expansion of one-time production capacity by 50 per cent in existing operations without public hearing.

With future coal mining projects stuck in delay over acquisition of land and rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) issues, among others, CIL had applied for environment clearance for one-time production capacity expansion by 50 per cent in existing operations without public hearing.

"Blanket permission for 50 per cent expansion without public hearing under 7(ii) of EIA Notification, 2015, and without capping for sustainable mining cannot be given," an Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Environment Ministry said after assessing the proposal at a recent meeting.

Enhancement in production capacity will automatically reduce the mine life and adversely impact livelihood of local communities. It may also impact air quality, coal handling and transportation, according to the minutes of the EAC meeting.