The East Bokaro Coalfield located in the Bermo-Phusro area and small intrusions of Jharia Coalfield make Bokaro a coal rich district. In 1965, one of the largest steel manufacturing units in the country, Bokaro Steel Plant, operated by Steel Authority of India Limited, was set-up at Bokaro Steel City. The Damodar Valley Corporation established its first thermal power station at Bokaro (Thermal).
Bokaro is a coal-rich district due to the presence of both the East Bokaro Coalfield and small intrusions of the Jharia Coalfield.  The establishment of the Bokaro Steel Plant in 1965 was a significant event for the region, as it marked the beginning of large-scale steel manufacturing in India. The Damodar Valley Corporation's thermal power station at Bokaro (Thermal) further highlights the importance of this area for energy production.