Exploration of 10 Coal India blocks put on fast track

The ministry of coal has accorded top priority for fast-track exploration of 10 Coal India blocks, which have total reserves of 3,065 million tonnes.

Another 35 blocks with total reserves of 5,056 million tonnes will be taken up in the second round.

The ministry will soon take a decision on the modalities for fast-track exploration, including the key question of who will undertake the development work of the blocks, which are not exclusively reserved for Coal India.

"This is being done in order to increase coal production in the country and meet the growing demand. Priority blocks are located in the coal fields of North Karanpura, West Bokaro, Singrauli and Talcher," coal ministry sources told Business Standard.

The blocks in the priority area are Pinderkom (North Karampura), Duni (West Bokaro), Mara-I, Mara-II, Chatrasal (Singrauli), Jaipur, Mahanadi, Sakhigopal and Machhakata (Talcher).

"Sakhigopal and Machhakata have been partly explored and exploration is in progress for the Jaipur block. For the rest of the blocks, exploration is to be taken up. Jaipur and Mahanadi blocks have high reserves of 700 million tonnes each," sources added. The depth for these blocks goes up to 700 metres.

Blocks that are next in order of priority are located in the coalfields of Raniganj, Jharia, Auranga, Hutar, south Karanpura, Bandar, Wardha valley, Pench-Kanan and Talcher.

Promotional exploration for establishing resource for open cast potential in Talcher, Ib Valley, North Karanpura, Korba, Wardha Valley and Singrauli coalfields was proposed in the Tenth Plan.