Coal news and updates

Year End Review 2015: Indian Coal Sector

The year 2015 witnessed the coal mines auction conducted in an efficient and transparent way. In order to laid down robust & transparent system after the Supreme Court order, an Ordinance was promulgated to legally enable the Government to re-allocate 204 coal mines cancelled by the court and ensure smooth transfer of right, title and interests in the mine along with its land and other associated mining infrastructure to the new allocatee to be selected through an auction or allotment to Government companies.

The Parliament passed the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Bill 2015 on 20 March, 2015 which replaced the Ordinance. Under the provisions of the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015, the Central Government has so far successfully auctioned in three tranches 31 coal mines and allotted 42 coal mines (blocks) to Central or State Government Companies.

Out of 34 operating coal mines auctioned or allotted, nine mines have started coal production and have registered over 5 Mt output and rest all expected to begin production in next two to three months.

Coal Indian Ltd (CIL) production jumped 8.8 percent to 321.38 Mt during April-November period of current fiscal while off-take soared by 9.8 percent.

In order to meet the requirements of the industry, improve coal quality, promote efficiency as well as save the environment, CIL will supply 100% crushed coal to its customers from 1 April, 2016. CIL has also started the process of setting up 15 coal washeries to supply clean coal Grade 10 and above from October 2017.

Source: www.energysector.in