Coal news and updates

Coal production from 33 captive blocks may reach 52.93 mt in 2014-15

July 4: Coal production from 33 captive coal blocks, which have not yet attended the pick rated capacity, and the coal blocks which are likely to commence production in 2014-15, is expected to reach 52.93 million tons (mt) in the current financial year, said a statement issued by the Ministry of Coal (MoC).

The ministry held the Annual Action Plan Review meeting for production from captive blocks on June 20 and urged the block allocattees to speed up work to achieve peak rated capacity within prescribed timeframe, the statement said.

The meeting discussed various issues that were slowing down the production in several captive blocks, it said.

“In case of Barjora Morth coal block, allocated to DVC, it was observed that the production target this year was contingent on the resolution of issues with its joint venture partner EMTA. It was decided that this would be brought to the notice of Ministry of Power. Sarisatoli block, allocated to CESC, had projected this year’s production target as 2.8 mt which was lower than the approved mining plan of 3.5 mt. CESC was asked to ensure that its production projection was as per the mining plan. It was observed that production from  Marki Magli I allocated to BS Ispat was suffering due to bad traffic restrictions and EUP not getting enough iron ore,” the statement said.