Coal news and updates

Mumbai Port to close down coal handling operations

January 5: Mumbai Port is likely to close down its coal handling operations due to environment-related issues, a senior official from the port told ISMW.

“We have to close down coal handling because of the pressure from the city. The ministry is also saying we should look at more eco-friendly ways for handling coal,” he said.

Explaining further, he said the board will take further decisions regarding this.

He, however, added that supply to Tata Power, which imports coal through the port, will not be affected. “If the cost of transportation increases, it will affect the cost of consumers also,” he said.

At present, almost 7 million tons (mt) of coal are imported through the port per annum.

Out of that, around 5 mt is either diverted to other ports from the anchorage or directly sent to users. Cargos for JSW Steel are diverted to Dharamtar Port while coal for Tata Power is delivered directly to the plant.

“Only 1.8 mt is coming to our area for unloading on the shore for small users which will be stopped gradually,” the official said.