Context:
Coal India Limited Commemorates 50th Foundation Day
Coal India Limited (CIL):
- Formed as the apex holding company for nationalised coking coal and non-coking mines
- Operates under the Ministry of Coal
- Headquartered in Kolkata.
- Classified as a ‘Maharatna’ public sector enterprise
- Operates through 8 subsidiaries, including Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) and Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
- Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) is the largest coal-producing subsidiary.
Coal Sector in India:
- Coal mining began in 1774 in the Raniganj Coalfield.
- National Coal Development Corporation (NCDC) founded in 1956 for systematic coal industry development.
- Coking coal mines nationalised in 1971-72, non-coking coal mines in 1973.
- India produced 997.83 million tonnes (MT) of coal in 2023-24
- Major coal producing States – Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra & West Bengal.
- Globally, China is the largest producer of coal, followed by India
- Coal Import – In 2022-23, India imported 237.668 MT of coal, mainly from Indonesia, Australia, Russia, South Africa, US, Singapore, and Mozambique.
- Significance –
- Predominantly fuels thermal power plants and fulfils over half of India’s primary energy needs.
- Single largest contributor to railway freight in India, accounting for nearly 49% of total freight income.
- Contributes over Rs. 70,000 Crore annually to central and state governments through various taxes, royalties, and GST.
- Funds collected from the District Mineral Fund and the National Mineral Exploration Trust supports socio-economic and infrastructure projects
Coal Classification:
- Anthracite – Highest quality, 80-95% carbon, high calorific value, found in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Bituminous – 60-80% carbon, high calorific value, low moisture, found in Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.
- Lignite – 40-55% carbon, brown, high moisture, found in Rajasthan, Assam (Lakhimpur), and Tamil Nadu.
- Peat – Early coal form, less than 40% carbon, low calorific value.
Read more about: Illegal Coal Mining, Draft Mining Plan Guidelines for Coal and Lignite blocks 2024, Coal Gasification, Global Coal Plant Tracker
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
What is/are the purpose/purposes of ‘District Mineral Foundations’ in India?
1. Promoting mineral exploration activities in mineral-rich districts
2. Protecting the interests of the persons affected by mining operations
3. Authorizing State Governments to issue licences for mineral exploration
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2016 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
It does not promote mineral exploration activities in mineral-rich districts. It does not authorize states to issue a licence for mineral exploration.
