Review of India's coal industry
India's hard coal and lignite reserves, currently estimated to be 87,000,000,000 metric tons (based on coal seams over 1.2 meters thick and to a depth of 600 meters), remain the country's most valuable energy resource. Total coal reserves to a depth of 1,200 meters in thinner seams of 0.5 meters and above are estimated to be 112,000,000,000 tons. Non-coking coal reserves are estimated to be about 64,300,000,000 tons of which 19% are proved; coking coal reserves amount to approximately 19,400,000,000 tons of which about 43% are proved, and lignite reserves are put at 3,300,000,000 tons of which 58% are proved. Nearly two thirds of these reserves are confined to Bihar and West Bengal. Although India's coal reserves are impressive statistically, thick seams pose underground mining problems and the high ash content of most coals presents utilization problems. Nearly 60% of the proven reserves are high in ash (24 to 50%), and are suitable primarily for power generation. During 1978, India's total coal production amounted to 101,320,000 tons. Shortages of power and explosives continuing labor problems, and severe flooding of the eastern coal mines were the major constraints to a higher output. (LTN)
- Research Organization:
- US Embassy, New Delhi, India
- OSTI ID:
- 5969487
- Journal Information:
- World Coal; (United States), Journal Name: World Coal; (United States) Vol. 5:7; ISSN WOCOD
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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012000* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Mining
ASIA
BROWN COAL
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
COAL
COAL DEPOSITS
COAL INDUSTRY
COAL MINING
COAL PREPARATION PLANTS
COAL RESERVES
DEMAND FACTORS
ENERGY SOURCES
EQUIPMENT
EXPLORATION
EXPORTS
FORECASTING
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
IMPORTS
INDIA
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
INDUSTRY
LIGNITE
MANUFACTURING
MINING
MINING EQUIPMENT
PLANNING
PRODUCTION
RESERVES
RESOURCES