Question : AVAILABILITY OF COAL



(a) whether the Government has carried out any study about the availability of coal taking thickness of the bed as the basis;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the details of coal reserves in the country, thickness-wise and State-wise?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE FOR COAL (SHRI PRATIK PRAKASHBAPU PATIL)

(a)&(b): As per the methodology of reserve estimation adopted by Geological Survey of India (GSI) Coal seams/zones, having a minimum thickness of 0.90m, are considered for resource assessment after completion of exploration. Coal seams/zones, having a thickness of > 0.90m, are considered for resource assessment in case of coking and superior grade non-coking coal. Similarly, coal seams/zones, having a thickness of > 1.20m, are considered in case of inferior grade non-coking coal.

(c): As per the inventory prepared by GSI, the State-wise geological coal resources as on 01.04.2011 for coal seams of thickness 0.9 m and above, available at a depth upto 1200 m from surface is given annexure.