Introduction:
Coal is a fossil fuel that forms from the remains of ancient plants and trees that lived millions of years ago. It is primarily composed of carbon along with various other elements, such as hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen. The process of coal formation begins when plant matter accumulates in swampy areas, and over time, the organic material is subjected to heat and pressure, eventually transforming into coal.Coal deposition in India:
India has significant coal reserves and is one of the world's largest producers and consumers of coal. The coal deposits in India are primarily classified into two major types:1. Gondwana Coal: Gondwana coal deposits are the major source of coal in India and are found in the Gondwana sedimentary basins, accounting for about 98% of the country's total coal reserves. It is of Paleozoic age and is named after the Gondwana supercontinent, which existed during the Carboniferous and Permian periods. Gondwana coal is further divided into various coalfields and coal seams. The major Gondwana coalfields in India include the Damodar Valley, Jharia, Raniganj, Singrauli, Talcher, and Wardha Valley coalfields
2. Tertiary Coal: Tertiary coal is a relatively smaller contributor to India's coal reserves. It is of younger geological age compared to Gondwana coal and were formed during the Tertiary period, approximately 60 to 2 million years ago. It is found in the northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh. The tertiary coal deposits are part of the Assam-Arakan basin and are primarily composed of lignite and sub-bituminous coal.
Additionally, there are also some minor coal deposits in India that fall outside the Gondwana and Tertiary classifications. For example, the Cambay Basin in Gujarat and the Damodar Valley Basin in West Bengal have coal deposits that do not strictly fit into either Gondwana or Tertiary coal types.Coal field of Madhya Pradesh:
Madhya Pradesh, a state located in central India, is known for its significant coal reserves. The major coalfields in Madhya Pradesh include the Singrauli Coalfield, Sohagpur Coalfield, and Johilla Coalfield. Here are some details about these coalfields:1. Singrauli Coalfield: The Singrauli Coalfield is one of the largest coalfields in India and spans across the states of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It is located in the eastern part of Madhya Pradesh and covers an area of about 2,200 square kilometers. The coalfield is divided into two parts: the northern part is known as the Moher sub-basin, and the southern part is called the Singrauli Main Basin. The Singrauli Coalfield is known for its high-quality bituminous and sub-bituminous coals. It is a major hub for coal mining and coal-based thermal power generation, with several coal mines and power plants operating in the region.2. Sohagpur Coalfield: The Sohagpur Coalfield is located in the eastern part of Madhya Pradesh, covering parts of Shahdol, Anuppur, and Umaria districts. It is a part of the Satpura-Gondwana basin. The coalfield is known for its reserves of high-quality bituminous coal. The Sohagpur Coalfield has both open-cast and underground coal mining operations.3. Johilla Coalfield: The Johilla Coalfield is located in the Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh. It is a small coalfield with limited reserves. The coal extracted from this field is primarily used for local consumption and industrial purposes.Coal field of Orissa:
Odisha (formerly known as Orissa) in India is rich in coal reserves and has several coalfields. Here are some of the major coalfields in Odisha:1. Talcher Coalfield: The Talcher Coalfield is the largest coalfield in Odisha and one of the largest in India. It is located in the districts of Angul and Jharsuguda. The coalfield covers an area of about 500 square kilometers and is part of the Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL). Talcher Coalfield primarily produces non-coking coal and is known for its high-quality thermal coal. The coal reserves in this coalfield are estimated to be around 38 billion tonnes.2.Ib Valley Coalfield: Ib Valley Coalfield is situated in the Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts of Odisha. It is part of the MCL and is an important coal-producing region in the state. The coalfield is known for its good-quality steam coal and has both underground and open-cast mining operations. The estimated coal reserves in the Ib Valley Coalfield are around 22 billion tonnes.3. Hingula Coalfield: Hingula Coalfield is located in the Talcher and Angul districts of Odisha. It is also part of the MCL and is known for its thermal coal reserves. Hingula Coalfield has both open-cast and underground mining operations. The coal reserves in this coalfield are estimated to be around 1.5 billion tonnes.4. Chhendipada Coalfield: Chhendipada Coalfield is situated in the Angul district of Odisha. It is relatively a newer coalfield and is part of the Mahanadi Coalfields Limited. The coal reserves in Chhendipada Coalfield are estimated to be around 2.1 billion tonnes, primarily comprising thermal coal.Coal field of West Bengal :
The Raniganj Coalfield:The Raniganj Coalfield is one of the major coalfields in India and is located in the state of West Bengal. It is part of the Gondwana Coalfields and is known for its significant coal reserves. The estimated total coal reserves in the Raniganj Coalfield are around 23 billion metric tonnes.The coal found in the Raniganj Coalfield is primarily bituminous coal, which is of high quality and suitable for various industrial and energy applications. The coal deposits in the Raniganj Coalfield are present in several seams or coal beds, with varying thicknesses and qualities.The Raniganj Coalfield has a long history of coal mining, dating back to the late 18th century. It has been a crucial source of coal for the country's energy needs and has contributed significantly to the development of industries in the region.Coalfield of Jharkhand:
Jharkhand, a state in eastern India, is home to several significant coalfields that contribute to the country's coal production. Here are some of the major coalfields in Jharkhand along with their estimated coal reserves:1. Jharia Coalfield: Jharia is the most important coalfield in Jharkhand and one of the largest coalfields in India. It is located in the Dhanbad district of Jharkhand. Jharia Coalfield is known for its high-quality bituminous coal reserves. It is estimated to have substantial coal reserves, with an estimated total of around 19 billion tonnes.2. North Karanpura Coalfield: North Karanpura Coalfield is situated in the Chatra and Hazaribagh districts of Jharkhand. It is known for its thermal-grade coal reserves. The coalfield has an estimated total coal reserve of about 8.6 billion tonnes.3. South Karanpura Coalfield: South Karanpura Coalfield is located in the Ramgarh district of Jharkhand. It has both coking coal and thermal coal reserves. The estimated coal reserves in the South Karanpura Coalfield are around 5.3 billion tonnes.4. Bokaro Coalfield: Bokaro Coalfield is situated in the Bokaro district of Jharkhand. It has both high-quality coking coal and thermal coal reserves. The estimated coal reserves in the Bokaro Coalfield are around 5 billion tonnes.5. Ramgarh Coalfield: Ramgarh Coalfield is located in the Ramgarh district of Jharkhand. It is an important coal mining area with both underground and open-cast mines. The estimated coal reserves in the Ramgarh Coalfield are around 2.5 billion metric tonnes.Coal field of Andhra Pradesh :
The Singareni coalfields are located in the Khammam, Warangal, and Adilabad districts of the state. The coalfields are operated by the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), a government-owned coal mining company.The Singareni coalfields are estimated to have substantial coal reserves. As of the knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the Singareni coalfields were reported to have around 10.48 billion tonnes of coal reserves. These reserves consist of both underground and open-cast mineable coal.The coal mined from the Singareni coalfields is primarily used for electricity generation and industrial applications. It plays a crucial role in meeting the energy requirements of the state and supports various industries in the region.Coal field of Jammu and Kashmir:
The coal deposits in Jammu and Kashmir are primarily found in the udhampur and Kalakote .The coal found in these areas belongs to the semi anthracite coal.Coal field of Meghalaya:
The coalfields in Meghalaya are primarily located in the southern slopes of the state's hills and plateaus. The two major coalfields in Meghalaya are:1. Jaintia Hills Coalfield: The Jaintia Hills Coalfield is situated in the Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. It is one of the largest coalfields in the state and comprises several coal seams. The coal found in this area belongs to the tertiary age and is predominantly sub-bituminous in nature. The coal seams are relatively thin and occur in alternating layers of sandstone and shale. The Jaintia Hills Coalfield has been a significant source of coal mining activity in Meghalaya.2. Garo Hills Coalfield: The Garo Hills Coalfield is located in the Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. It is another important coalfield in the state. The coal deposits in this area are also of tertiary age and consist mainly of sub-bituminous coal. Similar to the Jaintia Hills Coalfield, the coal seams in the Garo Hills Coalfield are interbedded with sandstone and shale formations.Coal field of Assam:
The major coalfields in Assam include:1. Makum Coalfield: Located in the Tinsukia district, the Makum Coalfield is one of the oldest and most significant coalfields in Assam. It is part of the Upper Assam coal belt and comprises several coal seams. The coal extracted from this field is high in calorific value and is primarily bituminous coal.2. Dilli-Jaipore Coalfield: Situated in the Dibrugarh district, the Dilli-Jaipore Coalfield is another important coalfield in Assam. It is also part of the Upper Assam coal belt and contains several coal seams. The coal in this field is bituminous in nature and has high energy content.3. Ledo-Margherita Coalfield: The Ledo-Margherita Coalfield is located in the Tinsukia district and is part of the Makum Coalfield. It is known for its high-quality coal reserves, primarily bituminous coal. The coal from this field is widely used in industries such as thermal power generation, cement production, and brick kilns.4. Nazira Coalfield: Nazira coalfield is situated in the Sivasagar district of Assam. It is one of the important coalfields in the state. The coal deposits in Nazira are primarily of Tertiary age and consist of sub-bituminous coal. The coal is known for its relatively high calorific value and is utilized for both industrial and domestic purposes. Mining operations in the Nazira coalfield are carried out by both large-scale and small-scale mining companies.5. Mikir Hills Coalfield: Mikir Hills coalfield is located in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam. It is another significant coalfield in the region. The coal deposits in Mikir Hills are also of Tertiary age and consist of sub-bituminous coal. The coal in this region is utilized for thermal power generation, industrial purposes, and local consumption. Mining activities in the Mikir Hills coalfield are primarily undertaken by the public sector company, North Eastern Coalfields, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited.6. Lakhuni Coalfield: Lakhuni coalfield is situated in the Dima Hasao (formerly North Cachar Hills) district of Assam. The coal deposits in Lakhuni are predominantly of Tertiary age and comprise sub-bituminous coal. The coal in this region is primarily used for industrial purposes and local consumption. Mining activities in the Lakhuni coalfield are conducted by small-scale and artisanal miners.Coal field of Arunachal Pradesh:
The coal deposits in Arunachal Pradesh are primarily located in the Namchik-Namphuk coalfield in the Changlang district. This coalfield is situated in the southeastern part of the state, close to the border with Myanmar.The Namchik-Namphuk coalfield is estimated to have substantial coal reserves, particularly of sub-bituminous to bituminous coal. The coal seams in this region are part of the Tertiary sediments. However, it is important to note that the development and extraction of coal from this coalfield have faced various challenges, including issues related to environmental concerns, local communities, and infrastructure development.
Coal field of Nagaland:
1. Tiru Coalfield: The Tiru Coalfield is located in the Tuensang district of Nagaland. It is one of the major coal-producing areas in the state. The coal deposits in the Tiru Coalfield are primarily of tertiary age and consist of sub-bituminous to bituminous coal. The coal seams in this field have varying thicknesses and are associated with intercalated layers of sandstone, shale, and clay.2. Borjan coalfield3. Tien sang coalfield4. Tiru talley coalfieldThe Neyveli lignite field:
The Neyveli lignite field, also known as the Neyveli lignite mine, is a significant lignite coal mining area located in Neyveli, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the largest lignite deposits in the country and is operated by Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC), a public sector enterprise.Here are some key details about the Neyveli lignite field:1. Location: The Neyveli lignite field is situated in the Cuddalore and Villupuram districts of Tamil Nadu, approximately 200 kilometers south of Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu.2. Lignite Reserves: The field encompasses extensive lignite deposits, estimated to contain several billion tonnes of lignite reserves. Lignite is a low-rank coal with a relatively low carbon content and high moisture content.3. Mining Operations: Neyveli Lignite Corporation operates open-cast lignite mines in Neyveli. The lignite is extracted through surface mining methods, involving the removal of overlying soil and rock layers to access the lignite deposits.4. Utilization: The lignite extracted from the Neyveli lignite field is primarily used for electricity generation. Neyveli Thermal Power Station and Neyveli New Thermal Power Station, both owned and operated by NLC, are major power plants that utilize lignite as a fuel source. The lignite is also used for other industrial applications, such as in the production of briquettes and in some chemical processes.5. Environmental Considerations: Lignite mining and lignite-based power generation can have environmental impacts, such as land disturbance and greenhouse gas emissions. Efforts are made to minimize these impacts through various mitigation measures and adherence to environmental regulations.Coal estimation can change over time due to various factors. Coal estimation involves assessing the quantity and quality of coal reserves in a given area.Conclusion:
Coal distribution in India is characterized by the presence of significant coal reserves and a well-established coal industry. India is one of the world's largest producers and consumers of coal, with coal being a crucial source of energy for the country.The distribution of coal reserves in India is primarily concentrated in eastern and central regions. The major coal-producing states in India include Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh. These states house large coalfields such as the Jharia, Raniganj, Talcher, Korba, and Singrauli coalfields, among others. These coalfields are associated with Gondwana coal, which is the dominant type of coal found in India and accounts for the majority of the country's coal reserves.In addition to the Gondwana coal, India also has lignite coal deposits primarily found in the southern states such as Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Lignite coal is used for electricity generation in thermal power plants located in the respective regions.The distribution of coal resources in India has played a significant role in the development of the coal industry and the country's energy sector. Coal is primarily used for electricity generation, industrial processes, and domestic consumption for heating and cooking purposes. The coal industry in India supports economic growth, employment generation, and energy security.However, the coal industry also faces challenges, including environmental concerns related to greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and the impact of coal mining on local communities and ecosystems. Efforts are being made to address these challenges through the implementation of cleaner technologies, sustainable mining practices, and a gradual transition towards cleaner energy sources.In summary, India's coal distribution is marked by the presence of abundant coal reserves in specific regions, supporting the country's energy needs. The coal industry continues to evolve, striving to strike a balance between energy security, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
Introduction:
Coal is a fossil fuel that forms from the remains of ancient plants and trees that lived millions of years ago. It is primarily composed of carbon along with various other elements, such as hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen. The process of coal formation begins when plant matter accumulates in swampy areas, and over time, the organic material is subjected to heat and pressure, eventually transforming into coal.
Coal deposition in India:
India has significant coal reserves and is one of the world's largest producers and consumers of coal. The coal deposits in India are primarily classified into two major types:
1. Gondwana Coal: Gondwana coal deposits are the major source of coal in India and are found in the Gondwana sedimentary basins, accounting for about 98% of the country's total coal reserves. It is of Paleozoic age and is named after the Gondwana supercontinent, which existed during the Carboniferous and Permian periods. Gondwana coal is further divided into various coalfields and coal seams. The major Gondwana coalfields in India include the Damodar Valley, Jharia, Raniganj, Singrauli, Talcher, and Wardha Valley coalfields
2. Tertiary Coal: Tertiary coal is a relatively smaller contributor to India's coal reserves. It is of younger geological age compared to Gondwana coal and were formed during the Tertiary period, approximately 60 to 2 million years ago. It is found in the northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh. The tertiary coal deposits are part of the Assam-Arakan basin and are primarily composed of lignite and sub-bituminous coal.
Additionally, there are also some minor coal deposits in India that fall outside the Gondwana and Tertiary classifications. For example, the Cambay Basin in Gujarat and the Damodar Valley Basin in West Bengal have coal deposits that do not strictly fit into either Gondwana or Tertiary coal types.
Coal field of Madhya Pradesh:
Madhya Pradesh, a state located in central India, is known for its significant coal reserves. The major coalfields in Madhya Pradesh include the Singrauli Coalfield, Sohagpur Coalfield, and Johilla Coalfield. Here are some details about these coalfields:
1. Singrauli Coalfield: The Singrauli Coalfield is one of the largest coalfields in India and spans across the states of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It is located in the eastern part of Madhya Pradesh and covers an area of about 2,200 square kilometers.
The coalfield is divided into two parts: the northern part is known as the Moher sub-basin, and the southern part is called the Singrauli Main Basin. The Singrauli Coalfield is known for its high-quality bituminous and sub-bituminous coals. It is a major hub for coal mining and coal-based thermal power generation, with several coal mines and power plants operating in the region.
2. Sohagpur Coalfield: The Sohagpur Coalfield is located in the eastern part of Madhya Pradesh, covering parts of Shahdol, Anuppur, and Umaria districts. It is a part of the Satpura-Gondwana basin. The coalfield is known for its reserves of high-quality bituminous coal. The Sohagpur Coalfield has both open-cast and underground coal mining operations.
3. Johilla Coalfield: The Johilla Coalfield is located in the Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh. It is a small coalfield with limited reserves. The coal extracted from this field is primarily used for local consumption and industrial purposes.
Coal field of Orissa:
Odisha (formerly known as Orissa) in India is rich in coal reserves and has several coalfields. Here are some of the major coalfields in Odisha:
1. Talcher Coalfield: The Talcher Coalfield is the largest coalfield in Odisha and one of the largest in India. It is located in the districts of Angul and Jharsuguda. The coalfield covers an area of about 500 square kilometers and is part of the Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL). Talcher Coalfield primarily produces non-coking coal and is known for its high-quality thermal coal. The coal reserves in this coalfield are estimated to be around 38 billion tonnes.
2.Ib Valley Coalfield: Ib Valley Coalfield is situated in the Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts of Odisha. It is part of the MCL and is an important coal-producing region in the state. The coalfield is known for its good-quality steam coal and has both underground and open-cast mining operations. The estimated coal reserves in the Ib Valley Coalfield are around 22 billion tonnes.
3. Hingula Coalfield: Hingula Coalfield is located in the Talcher and Angul districts of Odisha. It is also part of the MCL and is known for its thermal coal reserves. Hingula Coalfield has both open-cast and underground mining operations. The coal reserves in this coalfield are estimated to be around 1.5 billion tonnes.
4. Chhendipada Coalfield: Chhendipada Coalfield is situated in the Angul district of Odisha. It is relatively a newer coalfield and is part of the Mahanadi Coalfields Limited. The coal reserves in Chhendipada Coalfield are estimated to be around 2.1 billion tonnes, primarily comprising thermal coal.
Coal field of West Bengal :
The Raniganj Coalfield:
The Raniganj Coalfield is one of the major coalfields in India and is located in the state of West Bengal. It is part of the Gondwana Coalfields and is known for its significant coal reserves. The estimated total coal reserves in the Raniganj Coalfield are around 23 billion metric tonnes.
The coal found in the Raniganj Coalfield is primarily bituminous coal, which is of high quality and suitable for various industrial and energy applications. The coal deposits in the Raniganj Coalfield are present in several seams or coal beds, with varying thicknesses and qualities.
The Raniganj Coalfield has a long history of coal mining, dating back to the late 18th century. It has been a crucial source of coal for the country's energy needs and has contributed significantly to the development of industries in the region.
Coalfield of Jharkhand:
Jharkhand, a state in eastern India, is home to several significant coalfields that contribute to the country's coal production. Here are some of the major coalfields in Jharkhand along with their estimated coal reserves:
1. Jharia Coalfield: Jharia is the most important coalfield in Jharkhand and one of the largest coalfields in India. It is located in the Dhanbad district of Jharkhand. Jharia Coalfield is known for its high-quality bituminous coal reserves. It is estimated to have substantial coal reserves, with an estimated total of around 19 billion tonnes.
2. North Karanpura Coalfield: North Karanpura Coalfield is situated in the Chatra and Hazaribagh districts of Jharkhand. It is known for its thermal-grade coal reserves. The coalfield has an estimated total coal reserve of about 8.6 billion tonnes.
3. South Karanpura Coalfield: South Karanpura Coalfield is located in the Ramgarh district of Jharkhand. It has both coking coal and thermal coal reserves. The estimated coal reserves in the South Karanpura Coalfield are around 5.3 billion tonnes.
4. Bokaro Coalfield: Bokaro Coalfield is situated in the Bokaro district of Jharkhand. It has both high-quality coking coal and thermal coal reserves. The estimated coal reserves in the Bokaro Coalfield are around 5 billion tonnes.
5. Ramgarh Coalfield: Ramgarh Coalfield is located in the Ramgarh district of Jharkhand. It is an important coal mining area with both underground and open-cast mines. The estimated coal reserves in the Ramgarh Coalfield are around 2.5 billion metric tonnes.
Coal field of Andhra Pradesh :
The Singareni coalfields are located in the Khammam, Warangal, and Adilabad districts of the state. The coalfields are operated by the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), a government-owned coal mining company.
The Singareni coalfields are estimated to have substantial coal reserves. As of the knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the Singareni coalfields were reported to have around 10.48 billion tonnes of coal reserves. These reserves consist of both underground and open-cast mineable coal.
The coal mined from the Singareni coalfields is primarily used for electricity generation and industrial applications. It plays a crucial role in meeting the energy requirements of the state and supports various industries in the region.
Coal field of Jammu and Kashmir:
The coal deposits in Jammu and Kashmir are primarily found in the udhampur and Kalakote .
The coal found in these areas belongs to the semi anthracite coal.
Coal field of Meghalaya:
The coalfields in Meghalaya are primarily located in the southern slopes of the state's hills and plateaus. The two major coalfields in Meghalaya are:
1. Jaintia Hills Coalfield: The Jaintia Hills Coalfield is situated in the Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. It is one of the largest coalfields in the state and comprises several coal seams. The coal found in this area belongs to the tertiary age and is predominantly sub-bituminous in nature. The coal seams are relatively thin and occur in alternating layers of sandstone and shale. The Jaintia Hills Coalfield has been a significant source of coal mining activity in Meghalaya.
2. Garo Hills Coalfield: The Garo Hills Coalfield is located in the Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. It is another important coalfield in the state. The coal deposits in this area are also of tertiary age and consist mainly of sub-bituminous coal. Similar to the Jaintia Hills Coalfield, the coal seams in the Garo Hills Coalfield are interbedded with sandstone and shale formations.
Coal field of Assam:
The major coalfields in Assam include:
1. Makum Coalfield: Located in the Tinsukia district, the Makum Coalfield is one of the oldest and most significant coalfields in Assam. It is part of the Upper Assam coal belt and comprises several coal seams. The coal extracted from this field is high in calorific value and is primarily bituminous coal.
2. Dilli-Jaipore Coalfield: Situated in the Dibrugarh district, the Dilli-Jaipore Coalfield is another important coalfield in Assam. It is also part of the Upper Assam coal belt and contains several coal seams. The coal in this field is bituminous in nature and has high energy content.
3. Ledo-Margherita Coalfield: The Ledo-Margherita Coalfield is located in the Tinsukia district and is part of the Makum Coalfield. It is known for its high-quality coal reserves, primarily bituminous coal. The coal from this field is widely used in industries such as thermal power generation, cement production, and brick kilns.
4. Nazira Coalfield: Nazira coalfield is situated in the Sivasagar district of Assam. It is one of the important coalfields in the state. The coal deposits in Nazira are primarily of Tertiary age and consist of sub-bituminous coal. The coal is known for its relatively high calorific value and is utilized for both industrial and domestic purposes. Mining operations in the Nazira coalfield are carried out by both large-scale and small-scale mining companies.
5. Mikir Hills Coalfield: Mikir Hills coalfield is located in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam. It is another significant coalfield in the region. The coal deposits in Mikir Hills are also of Tertiary age and consist of sub-bituminous coal. The coal in this region is utilized for thermal power generation, industrial purposes, and local consumption. Mining activities in the Mikir Hills coalfield are primarily undertaken by the public sector company, North Eastern Coalfields, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited.
6. Lakhuni Coalfield: Lakhuni coalfield is situated in the Dima Hasao (formerly North Cachar Hills) district of Assam. The coal deposits in Lakhuni are predominantly of Tertiary age and comprise sub-bituminous coal. The coal in this region is primarily used for industrial purposes and local consumption. Mining activities in the Lakhuni coalfield are conducted by small-scale and artisanal miners.
Coal field of Arunachal Pradesh:
The coal deposits in Arunachal Pradesh are primarily located in the Namchik-Namphuk coalfield in the Changlang district. This coalfield is situated in the southeastern part of the state, close to the border with Myanmar.
The Namchik-Namphuk coalfield is estimated to have substantial coal reserves, particularly of sub-bituminous to bituminous coal. The coal seams in this region are part of the Tertiary sediments. However, it is important to note that the development and extraction of coal from this coalfield have faced various challenges, including issues related to environmental concerns, local communities, and infrastructure development.
Coal field of Nagaland:
1. Tiru Coalfield: The Tiru Coalfield is located in the Tuensang district of Nagaland. It is one of the major coal-producing areas in the state. The coal deposits in the Tiru Coalfield are primarily of tertiary age and consist of sub-bituminous to bituminous coal. The coal seams in this field have varying thicknesses and are associated with intercalated layers of sandstone, shale, and clay.
2. Borjan coalfield
3. Tien sang coalfield
4. Tiru talley coalfield
The Neyveli lignite field:
The Neyveli lignite field, also known as the Neyveli lignite mine, is a significant lignite coal mining area located in Neyveli, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the largest lignite deposits in the country and is operated by Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC), a public sector enterprise.
Here are some key details about the Neyveli lignite field:
1. Location: The Neyveli lignite field is situated in the Cuddalore and Villupuram districts of Tamil Nadu, approximately 200 kilometers south of Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu.
2. Lignite Reserves: The field encompasses extensive lignite deposits, estimated to contain several billion tonnes of lignite reserves. Lignite is a low-rank coal with a relatively low carbon content and high moisture content.
3. Mining Operations: Neyveli Lignite Corporation operates open-cast lignite mines in Neyveli. The lignite is extracted through surface mining methods, involving the removal of overlying soil and rock layers to access the lignite deposits.
4. Utilization: The lignite extracted from the Neyveli lignite field is primarily used for electricity generation. Neyveli Thermal Power Station and Neyveli New Thermal Power Station, both owned and operated by NLC, are major power plants that utilize lignite as a fuel source. The lignite is also used for other industrial applications, such as in the production of briquettes and in some chemical processes.
5. Environmental Considerations: Lignite mining and lignite-based power generation can have environmental impacts, such as land disturbance and greenhouse gas emissions. Efforts are made to minimize these impacts through various mitigation measures and adherence to environmental regulations.
Coal estimation can change over time due to various factors. Coal estimation involves assessing the quantity and quality of coal reserves in a given area.
Conclusion:
Coal distribution in India is characterized by the presence of significant coal reserves and a well-established coal industry. India is one of the world's largest producers and consumers of coal, with coal being a crucial source of energy for the country.
The distribution of coal reserves in India is primarily concentrated in eastern and central regions. The major coal-producing states in India include Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh. These states house large coalfields such as the Jharia, Raniganj, Talcher, Korba, and Singrauli coalfields, among others. These coalfields are associated with Gondwana coal, which is the dominant type of coal found in India and accounts for the majority of the country's coal reserves.
In addition to the Gondwana coal, India also has lignite coal deposits primarily found in the southern states such as Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Lignite coal is used for electricity generation in thermal power plants located in the respective regions.
The distribution of coal resources in India has played a significant role in the development of the coal industry and the country's energy sector. Coal is primarily used for electricity generation, industrial processes, and domestic consumption for heating and cooking purposes. The coal industry in India supports economic growth, employment generation, and energy security.
However, the coal industry also faces challenges, including environmental concerns related to greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and the impact of coal mining on local communities and ecosystems. Efforts are being made to address these challenges through the implementation of cleaner technologies, sustainable mining practices, and a gradual transition towards cleaner energy sources.
In summary, India's coal distribution is marked by the presence of abundant coal reserves in specific regions, supporting the country's energy needs. The coal industry continues to evolve, striving to strike a balance between energy security, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
