This is an important milestone for the firm as captive coal production can cut aluminium smelting costs by 25%: National Aluminium Company (Nalco) has obtained the mining lease (ML) to develop its captive Utkal-D coal block. The ML for the block has been granted by Odisha government’s steel & mines department through a notification dated April 16. The ML for the coal block straddles an area of 301.28 hectares across Kosala, Nandichod, Similisahi and Raijharan villages under Chhendipada tehsil of Angul district.