Chennai, Apr 28 (IANS): Integrated lignite/coal mining-cum-power generation company NLC India Ltd said on Tuesday that it has started coal production at its mines in Odisha.

In a regulatory filing, NLC India said that it has started coal production for the first time at the Talbira II and III mines in Odisha from April 26.

Formerly called Neyveli Lignite Corporation, the company used to mine lignite in Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan to fuel its power plants.

"By achieving success on this project during the difficult times of the Covid-19 lockdown situation, our team has not only helped the company on its growth path, but also contributed for energy security of the country, especially when avoiding import of coal is the top most priority," Rakesh Kumar, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of NLC India, was quoted as saying in the statement.

The company said that it had earlier successfully commissioned one of two 500 MW lignite based units -- the first of its kind in the country.

Last fiscal, the company achieved renewable energy generation capacity of 1,404 MW -- 1,353 MW solar and 51 MW wind power.