(a) by when the existing Open Cast Mines of the North
Eastern Coalfields are going to last;
(b) whether the Coal India Limited have any proposal
for staring other O.C.P. at new sites in the event of
saturation of existing O.C.Ps of N.E.C.; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINES & MINERALS (SMT. RITA VERMA)
(a) At present North Eastern Coalfields have two opencast
mines, Tirap and Tikak. Tirap will last for about two more
years. But after reorganisation with the proposed diversion
of national highway and railway lines, this mine will
continue till the year 2009-10. Tikak opencast mine will
continue till the year 2009-10.
(b) & (c) Yes, Sir. North Eastern Coalfields have proposals
for starting the following new opencast mines:-
(i) Mechanised Opencast Project between Ledo underground
and K-Drift from the year 2004-05 onwards.
(ii) Kekhapani Opencast Project from the year 2009-10
onwards.
(iii) PQ block near Dilli Jeypore Colliery as soon as
the lease for the same is granted by the Government of
Assam.