Sunday, March 23, 2025

Coal Production in India: Achievements, Categories, and Future Prospects

 

Coal Production in India: Achievements, Categories, and Future Prospects

🔥 Introduction

India has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 1 billion tonnes of coal production in FY 2024–25, marking a historic feat. The Prime Minister hailed this achievement as a reflection of India’s energy security and self-reliance. This record-breaking production strengthens India's position as the world’s second-largest coal producer, contributing significantly to its energy needs and reducing dependency on coal imports.

Coal remains the backbone of India's energy sector, powering over 70% of the country's electricity generation. With increased domestic production, India aims to achieve energy self-sufficiency and reduce its reliance on costly imports.

🌍 Historical Background of Coal Production in India

  1. Origins of Coal Mining in India

    • Commercial coal mining began in 1774 at Raniganj Coalfields along the Damodar River in West Bengal.

    • During the British colonial era, coal mining expanded to meet the rising energy demands of industries.

  2. Nationalisation of Coal Mines

    • Coking coal mines were nationalised in 1972 under the Coking Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act.

    • Non-coking coal mines were nationalised in 1973 under the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act.

    • This move aimed to regulate production, improve efficiency, and ensure equitable distribution of coal resources.

🔥 Categories of Coal in India

✅ 1. Gondwana Coal

  • Age: Formed around 250–300 million years ago (Permian period).

  • Location: Predominantly found in peninsular India.

  • Major States:

    • Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

  • Characteristics:

    • High carbon content and calorific value.

    • Contains moisture and volatile matter.

    • Mostly bituminous and sub-bituminous in nature.

  • Uses:

    • Power generation

    • Steel production

    • Industrial purposes

✅ 2. Tertiary Coal

  • Age: Formed around 15–60 million years ago (Tertiary period).

  • Location: Found in northeastern states and parts of Jammu & Kashmir.

  • Major States:

    • Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Jammu & Kashmir, and Rajasthan.

  • Characteristics:

    • Higher moisture content and lower carbon concentration.

    • Mostly lignite or peat with lower calorific value.

  • Uses:

    • Power generation

    • Domestic heating

🔥 Types of Coal in India

  1. Anthracite Coal:

    • Highest carbon content (80-95%).

    • Found only in Jammu & Kashmir.

    • Used for metallurgical purposes.

  2. Bituminous Coal:

    • 60-80% carbon content.

    • Found in Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.

    • Used for thermal power generation and industrial applications.

  3. Sub-bituminous Coal:

    • Dull black in color.

    • Higher energy content than lignite.

    • Used for power generation.

  4. Lignite Coal:

    • Low carbon content (40-55%).

    • Found in Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Assam.

    • Used for electricity generation.

🌟 Major Coal Producers in India

  1. Coal India Limited (CIL)

    • Largest coal producer in India.

    • Produced 773.81 million tonnes (MT) in FY 2023-24.

    • Contributes over 80% of India's coal production.

  2. Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL)

    • Major coal producer in southern India.

    • Produced 70.02 MT in FY 2023-24.

    • Supplies coal to thermal power plants in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

  3. Captive and Private Players

    • Increasing contributions due to coal sector reforms.

    • Private players are now participating in commercial mining, enhancing competition.

🌍 Top Coal Producers in the World (Rank-wise)

  1. China

    • Largest coal producer globally.

    • Contributes around 50% of the world’s coal production.

  2. India

    • Second-largest coal producer.

    • Surpassed 1 billion tonnes in FY 2024-25.

  3. United States

    • Major exporter and consumer of coal.

    • Ranks third in global coal production.

⚒️ Coal-Producing States in India (Rank-wise)

  1. Jharkhand

    • Largest coal reserves in India.

    • Major source of coking coal.

    • Key mines: Jharia, Bokaro, and Ramgarh.

  2. Odisha

    • Large contributor of thermal coal.

    • Important mines: Talcher and Ib Valley.

  3. Chhattisgarh

    • Home to some of the world’s largest coal mines.

    • Key mines: Gevra, Dipka, and Kusmunda.

  4. West Bengal

    • Historic Raniganj Coalfields.

    • Significant producer of bituminous coal.

🌟 Noteworthy Coal Mines in India

  1. Gevra Coal Mine (Chhattisgarh)

    • Operated by South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL).

    • Second-largest coal mine globally, as per WorldAtlas.com (2024).

  2. Kusmunda Coal Mine (Chhattisgarh)

    • Also operated by SECL.

    • Ranked fourth-largest coal mine globally.

🌍 Significance of India’s Coal Production Milestone

  • Achieving 1 billion tonnes of production enhances energy security.

  • Reduces reliance on coal imports, saving foreign exchange.

  • Supports industrial growth and boosts the economy.

  • Ensures stable power generation for industries and households.

✅ MCQs for UPSC CSE

  1. Which year marked the beginning of commercial coal mining in India?
    a) 1774
    b) 1854
    c) 1947
    d) 1972
    ✅ Answer: a) 1774

  2. Which state in India has the largest coal reserves?
    a) Odisha
    b) Jharkhand
    c) Chhattisgarh
    d) West Bengal
    ✅ Answer: b) Jharkhand

  3. Which type of coal has the highest carbon content?
    a) Lignite
    b) Bituminous
    c) Anthracite
    d) Sub-bituminous
    ✅ Answer: c) Anthracite

✍️ Mains Question

"India has surpassed 1 billion tonnes of coal production in FY 2024-25. Discuss the significance of this milestone for India's energy security and self-reliance. Suggest measures to promote sustainable coal mining practices." (250 words).

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