(a) whether in 1997-98, 11.75 million ton coking coal and 4.70 million ton non-coking coal were imported where as during 2000-01, 10.46 million ton coking and 13.55 million ton non-coking coal were imported; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF COAL (SHRI KARIYA MUNDA)
(a)&(b): During 1997-98, 11.74 million tonnes of coking coal and 4.70 million tonnes of non-coking coal and during 2000-2001,11.06 million tonnes of coking coal and 9.87 million tonnes of non-coking coal were imported. Coking coal is being imported by integrated steel plants since early eighties due to non-availability/inadequate availability of the required quality and quantity indigenously. With liberalization of Indian economy in early nineties, non-coking coal is imported by consumers
(i) for use by blending with indigenous coal and also on environmental considerations and
(ii) on considerations of location- specific landed cost. Since coal and coal products have been put under Open General Licence (OGL) there is no restriction on the consumer to import coal.