In a reply to the parliament, Indian coal minister Mr. Pralhad Joshi has informed that the country would produce 810 MnT of coal in the current fiscal.
Stating the company-wise share for coal output, it was reported that the annual targets for Coal India Limited (CIL), Singareni Collieries Company (SCCL) and Captive & others were set at 660 MnT, 67 MnT and 83 MnT respectively.
India has been heavily dependent on coal for its electricity needs, while utilization of coal in associated industries has only aggravated its demand. In order to cater the rising demand, the country has posted progressive rise in coal production.
Indian coal production was noted at 730.25 MnT in FY19, out of which CIL’s contribution was 606.9 MnT.
Coal Minister had also laid on efforts to boost production by emphasizing on the exploration works planned for FY20.
Mr. Joshi explained that exploration of non-Coal India Limited (Non-CIL) coal blocks is carried out under the Central Sector Scheme ‘Exploration of Coal & Lignite’ of the Ministry of Coal. Under the scheme, both regional exploration and detailed drilling of coal blocks are conducted annually upon approval.
For the FY20, the regional exploration has been planned for 37 coal blocks & 10 lignite blocks, whereas detailed drilling has been planned for 121 coal blocks & 1 lignite block, which are to be carried along with exploration and drilling of coal blocks allocated to CIL.
The minister also informed that fund of INR 937 Crores have been allocated for exploration and drilling of Non-CIL blocks in coal and lignite. Out of which INR 120 Crores have to be spent on regional exploration and remaining INR 817 Crores to be spent for detailed drilling.
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