India possesses significant coal and lignite reserves, which are crucial for its energy security. This article explores the exploration efforts, resource inventory, and government initiatives aimed at bolstering the domestic production of these critical resources.
Coal Exploration: Regional and Detailed Approaches
India’s coal exploration activities are divided into two primary stages:
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Regional Exploration: This is the initial stage, undertaken by government bodies like the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to assess broad coal availability, geological structures, and resource mapping. The Ministry of Coal (MoC) also conducts regional explorations on a promotional basis.
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Detailed Exploration: This stage involves in-depth drilling and geological analysis of potential coal blocks, often funded by coal companies or private allottees. Detailed exploration brings the resources from indicated or inferred category to proved category.
Key Players in Coal Exploration:
Several agencies play a critical role in coal exploration:
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Geological Survey of India (GSI): The premier organization that undertakes regional exploration.
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Mineral Exploration Corporation (MECL): A key agency engaged in promotional exploration and drilling activities.
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Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI): Nodal agency for fund disbursement of promotional exploration.
Inventory of Geological Resources: Coal and Lignite
As of April 1, 2009, India’s total estimated geological resources of coal were 267.21 billion tonnes. The state-wise distribution of this resource is included in the report. Lignite reserves were estimated at approximately 39,073.56 million tonnes. The document notes that the next coal resource inventory would be prepared in April 2010.
Key Highlights: Exploration Activities in 2009-2010
During the period April-December 2009:
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76,288 meters of promotional drilling was completed across 17 coal and 12 lignite blocks.
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Most boreholes for promotional exploration were geophysically logged.
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Several geological reports were submitted for both coal and lignite exploration.
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CMPDI decided to outsource 4.37 lakh meter of detailed drilling across seven blocks.
Ongoing Efforts: Integrated Resource Information Systems
The government is also focused on creating integrated resource information systems:
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Integrated Coal Resource Information System (ICRIS) by CMPDI and SCCL for mapping and data capture.
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Integrated Lignite Resource Information System (ILRIS) by NLC for lignite blocks data collection.
Financial Aspects: Supporting Exploration
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Promotional exploration is primarily funded by the Ministry of Coal.
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Detailed exploration in coal PSUs is funded by the respective companies, whereas for captive mining blocks, the allottees are often required to fund it.
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Government schemes also provide support for detailed drilling in Non-CIL blocks.
Conclusion:
India is actively engaged in expanding its knowledge of coal and lignite resources through regional and detailed exploration efforts. This is achieved through a strategic mix of governmental agencies and private sector involvement. This strategy is crucial for informing policy and ensuring India’s energy security in the coming years.