Coal Ministry and Coal India to Establish New Washeries to Boost Domestic Coal Quality
02 Sep 2024
New Delhi: The
Ministry of Coal, in partnership with Coal India, is set to establish new coal
washeries nationwide to enhance domestic coal quality and reduce reliance on
imports. These washeries aim to optimize coal processing for improved utility
in power generation and industrial use.
A special
committee has been formed to oversee the efficient use of existing washeries,
highlighting the government’s focus on modernizing coal infrastructure. In a
recent meeting, top officials from Coal India and the Ministry of Coal engaged
with CMDs of coal power plants that currently depend on imported coal.
Discussions centered on the potential for Coal India to supply these plants,
which could significantly reduce import costs.
With a coal
stockpile exceeding 100 million tonnes, the Ministry is strategizing to cut
imports, particularly for industries like cement, steel, and power generation.
This initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of boosting
self-reliance in energy production and curbing foreign exchange outflow.