(a) whether Coal India Ltd. (CIL) has contemplated to tie-up
with foreign countries for underground mining in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the action taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in
this regard;
(d) whether the foreign mining companies are likely to get the
Government’s approval to acquire 49 per cent stake in coal mines
in the country; and
(e) if so, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL (DR. DASARI NARAYANA RAO)
(a) to (c): Presently there is no tie up with foreign
countries for any specific project. However, Coal India Limited
is in dialogue with Russia, China and Australia for underground
Mine development including development in the field of High Wall
Mining, Coal Bed Methane, Underground Coal Gasification,
development of Steep Mines, Safety of underground mines
including roof bolting techniques and resin capsule methodology.
Some subsidiary companies Eastern Coalfields Limited, Bharat
Coking Coal Limited and Central Coalfields Limited are exploring
options to have foreign collaboration for increasing production
/ development of underground mines.
(d): No, Sir.
(e): Does not arise in view of reply at (d) above.