LAGATAR24 NETWORK
New Delhi, July 7: The ongoing coal scarcity in the country, which has badly impacted power production and several energy-intensive industries, is likely to get less severe with 12 new coal mines planning to start production this year.
“At present, a total of 36 captive and commercial mines are under production and it is expected that at least 12 more new mines will start production during the year,” the Union Ministry of Coal said in a statement.
“This will significantly contribute to meeting the coal demand in the country,” it added.
Coal production from the captive and commercial mines achieved during the first quarter is 27.7 million ton which is 79 per cent higher than 15.5 million-ton coal produced during the same period in FY 2021-22.
Production from coal blocks during the first quarter of financial year 2022-23 was reviewed by the Additional Secretary and Nominated Authority, the Union Ministry of Coal on 6 July 2022 in the presence of project proponents, the note said.
The ministry appreciated the efforts of coal blocks allottees in achieving such high growth and hopeful that target production of 32 million ton from coal blocks during the second quarter of FY 2022-23 will be achieved.
It was also highlighted that two mines auctioned in 2021 under commercial auction reforms have become operational and produced 1.57 million ton in the first quarter.
Further, project proponents also shared the efforts made by them and the challenges they are facing. The ministry assured to extend all possible support in resolving the issues.
