By Our Correspondent/PIB
NEW DELHI/BHUBANESWAR: Coal production from coal blocks during April-August for the fiscal 2022-23 has been reviewed by the Additional Secretary & Nominated Authority, of the Ministry of Coal, in the presence of project proponents. Coal production achieved during April-August, 2022-23 is 43.93 million ton which is 57.74 % higher than 27.85 million ton coal produced during the same period 2021-22.
Two mines auctioned in 2021 under commercial auction reforms have become operational and produced 2.36 million ton coal in April-August, 2022-23. At present, 37 captive and commercial mines are under production and it is expected that at least 11 more new mines will start production during the year. This will significantly contribute to meet coal demand in the country.
The Ministry appreciated the efforts of coal blocks allocattees in attaining such high growth and hopeful that the target production of 141.78 million ton from these coal blocks during FY 2022-23 will be achieved.
At the same time, it was noted with concern that Parsa East & Kanta Basan coal block production has stopped and Parsa coal block production has not started. Continued stoppage may adversely impact achievement of target this year.
Further, during the review, project proponents shared the efforts made by them and the challenges faced. Ministry of Coal assured to extend all possible support in resolving the issues.
Meanwhile, the status of 20 non-operational captive and commercial coal blocks of Jharkhand state was reviewed by Additional Secretary & Nominated Authority of the Ministry of Coal in the presence of officers of Ministry of EF&CC, PCCF, Jharkhand, Director (Mines & Geology), Jharkhand and project proponents.
The Ministry of Coal appreciated the improvement in overall status of non-operational coal blocks of Jharkhand and the assistance provided by the State mining and forest department. It was observed that about 3 to 4 coal blocks will get mine opening permission and coal production will start from four coal blocks in during this financial year. Production from captive & commercial coal blocks of Jharkhand is likely to be about 37.3 million ton in 2022-23 against 17.72 million ton in 2021-22 and thus, there will be 110.4 % increase in coal production this year over 2021-22.
Ministry of Coal assured to provide all possible support in resolving the issues faced by the project proponents.
