Coal Production
Coal India
Limited, a Public Sector Unit of the Coal Ministry, has reported
the highest ever production of 323.580 million tonnes (M.T.) of
coal during 2004-05 as against the target of 314 MT. This is 9 MT
more than the target and 17 MT more than the production in 2003-04.
In 2005-06, the production of coal was 343.390 million tonnes (MT),
as against the target of 343.000 million tonnes. This is 19.810
MT more than last year production. This excellent performance was
made possible through better planning and close monitoring, increase
in productivity, better utilisation of machinery and commissioning
of new project.
For the year
2006-07, production target for CIL has been fixed at 363 MT.
E-Marketing
During the
year 2005-06, E-marketing was conducted in all the coal producing
subsidiaries of CIL. The provisional result of the auction indicates
that all the auctions during April 2005, to March 2006, have made
possible a total sale of 19.52 MT of coal through e-auction. The
total number of bidders participating in the auction was 27,739
out of which 18,563 emerged successful in their bids. The average
gain over the average notified price was 48.1 per cent and that
over the floor price was 23.1 per cent.
Electronic
marketing of coal acquired a strong base during the year. This generated
additional revenue of about Rs. 920 crore. Over the notified price,
E-auction has served as a market for coal particularly for consumers
of non-core sector, who do not have linkage.
The provisional profit before tax and dividend of CIL during
2005-06, has been Rs. 8,388.53 crore, against Rs. 4,801.52 crore
earned during previous year, thereby registering a growth of 74.71
per cent. CIL has also paid an interim dividend of Rs. 1,263 crore
to the Government.
A separate Department, named ‘Coal Videsh’, has been set up by CIL
to explore the possibility of acquiring coal blocks abroad to meet
the growing need of metallurgical coking coal and low ash thermal
coal, the reserves of which are not adequate in the country.
Neyveli Lignite Corporation
Public sector
Neyveli Lignite Corporation has been declared a ‘Miniratna’, which
has enhanced its autonomy. It
produced 21.57 million tonnes of lignite in 2004-05 and 20.43 million
tonnes (provisional) in 2005-06.
Besides, the company has produced 21.13 million units of
power in 2004-05 and 20.27 million units in 2005-06.
Approval of Coal Projects
The Government
has already cleared 8 new major coal projects with annual production
capacity of 60.40 MT per year with a capital investment of Rs. 3,620.38
crore. Three more projects with production capacity of 14.00 MT
per year with a capital investment of Rs.2543 crore are under consideration
of CCEA.
The Government
has also cleared lignite based project with annual production of
6.60 MT per year with a capital investment of Rs. 2,415.35 crore
and power projects for Rs. 3,144.96 crore.
To augment coal production
16 proposals have been conceived under Emergency Coal Production
Plan by Coal India Limited for creating additional production capacity
of 71 MTY. Of the 16 proposals, 6 proposals have been approved by
the Government till May 8, 2006.
The Government during 2004-2006 has approved 12 coal and
lignite projects of 67 MTY with a sanctioned cost of Rs. 9,180.69
crore.
NLC's proposal for expansion of the capacity of Mine-I (4.5
mtpa) and Thermal Power Station -II (2x250 MW) at a cost of Rs.4,192.06
crore has been approved. A mine cum power project at Barsingsar,
Rajasthan has been sanctioned. The mine is slated to produce 2.1
mtpa lignite to feed 2x125 MW power plant. The total cost of the
project is estimated at Rs.1,368.25 crore.
Expert Committee on Coal
The Government
had constituted an Expert Committee under the chairmanship of Sri
T.L. Shanker to study and recommend measures to revitalise the coal
sector. The Committee has submitted first part of the report which
is being examined in the Ministry.
In order to firm up Part II of the report, the Committee has visited CMPDI,
CCL, TISCO Coal Mines, BCCL and CIL during March 2006. The Committee
emphasised on achieving 1,600 million tonnes production level by
2030-31 for achieving the projected 8 per cent growth in Indian
economy. All efforts towards realising this target, starting form
improving exploration and production and productivity in the coal
sector were discussed.
The Committee also met trade union
leaders in Kolkata, who also supported the Government's goal to
achieve the target production, and improving the status and functioning
of coal industry.
During April, 2006 Chairman, Expert Committee held discussions with CMD,
CMPDI on future role of CMPDI for coal sector with special emphasis
on coal exploration.
Guidelines
for setting up of Coal Washeries
Guidelines have been issued by the Ministry in 19th September,
2005, to Coal India Limited and its subsidiary companies.
For setting up of coal washeries on coal company's land by
coal consumer, or by an operator on his behalf, for improving quality
of coal to meet the demand-supply gap of washed coal.
Allocation of Coal Blocks
Out
of 148 coal blocks identified for allocation, 55 blocks were recommended
for allocation during 2004-05 and 2005-06 as against 49 coal blocks
allocated earlier since the introduction of captive mining in 1993.
Besides the Pakari Barwahdih coal blocks allocated to National Thermal
Power Corporation (NTPC) during 2004-05, another six coal blocks
vis. Kerandari, Chatti Bariatu, Chhatrasal, Dulanga,Brahmini and
Chichro Patsimal have been allocated to the company in 2005-06 having
a total geological coal reserves of 3138 million tonnes. Out of
the these Brahmini and Chichro Patsimal coal blocks will be worked
jointly by NTPC and Coal India Limited.
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