Taking a step forward towards supplying higher quality coal, state-run Coal India Ltd has initiated the process of setting up more washeries by finalising tender for four washeries of 22.5 million tonne, out of the total 20 planned during the 12th Five-Year Plan Period.
“Action has been taken to set up 20 coal washeries with a total capacity of 111.1 million tonne — which include 6 coking coal (19 million tonne and 14 non-coking coal (92 million tonne). Tender for four washeries with a total capacity of 22.5 million tonne has been finalised,” said S Narsing Rao, Chairman and Managing Director.
CIL currently operates 17 washeries with a total capacity of 39.4 million tonne. Out of these, 12 are coking coal with a capacity of 22.18 million tonne, while five are non-coking washeries with a capacity of 17.22 million tonne. Washed coal has higher calorific value compared to unwashed coal.
Meanwhile, he said that CIL’s overseas subsidiary Coal India Africana Limitada (CIAL) is fully operational. The African arm had acquired two blocks in Tete province in Mozambique through a bilateral deal. “The job of environmental impact assessment (EIA) and preparation of environmental management plan (EMP) for drilling stage has been taken up and drilling activities are expected to start in next financial year.”
