Coal news and updates

Jharia master plan will help hike coking coal output

September 15: Proper implementation of the master plan for Jharia and Ranigunj Coalfields will help Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL) augment domestic coking coal production to 100 million tons (mt) from the current around 26 mt, according to BCCL Chairman & Managing Director T K Lahiry.

“The Rs 8,000-crore master plan will help reduce the volume of coking coal imports by the country. If the plan is properly implemented, we will be able to use opencast method across the entire coalfield. This will help raise coking coal production to 100 mt,” said Lahiry while speaking at the 8th Indian Coal Markets Conference in Kolkata, organised by mjunction services limited, HIS McCloskey and the Coal Consumers’ Association of India (CCAI).

He further noted that the Indian coal sector needs to augment the washing capacity if the increased demand for coking coal from the steel industry is to be met. “At BCCL, we are coming up with 18.6 mt of new washing capacity. This is needed to increase coking coal production to the desired level, as high-ash coal cannot be used by the steel plants.”

However, “there is some resistance from a section of consumers who do not want to spend extra on washed coal though they pay higher freight charges for carrying high ash coal,” he added.