Coal news and updates

WBMDTC to start production at UG mines in 2017-18

August 18: West Bengal Mineral Development and Trading Corporation (WBMDTC), which started production at Trans Damodar coal block, expects to start operations at its remaining five coal blocks by April 2017, a senior official from the agency told ICMW.

“We are aiming to start production at the remaining mines by April 2017. These are all underground blocks with difficult seams but we are hopeful of sticking to that timeline,” the official said.

Of the remaining five blocks, WBMDTC has got mine plans approved for three blocks, namely Kulti, Sitarampur and Ichhapur. Also, Environmental Clearance (EC) proceedings have been started for all these mines.

“For Jagannathpur A and B blocks in Bardhaman district, mine plans are being prepared. As for ECs, we shouldn’t face much problem. There is no forest area at Kulti and Sitarampur,” the official said.

The agency had earlier targeted to start production from the remaining blocks by 2015.