(a) whether the Coal India Limited (CIL) proposes to acquire coal mines abroad on its own or through
the International Coal Venture (Private) Limited in order to meet the growing domestic demand of coal;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the present status of the coal blocks acquired by CIL in foreign countries;
(d) whether the CIL has assessed the potential benefits for the country’s energy security as a result thereof;and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL (SHRI SRIPRAKASH JAISWAL)
(a) to (e) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT AS MENTIONED IN ANSWER TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.73 FOR ANSWER ON 10.12.2013 ASKED
BY SHRI SUVENDU ADHIKARI AND SHRI RAVINDRA KUMAR PANDEY REGARDING ACQUISITION OF COAL MINES ABROAD
(a) Coal India Limited (CIL) has initiated the process for acquisition of coal assets abroad in accordance with the
guidelines namely “Acquisition of Raw Material assets abroad by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)†brought
out by the Government of India. In addition, International Coal Venture (P) Limited (ICVL), which is a Joint Venture
company under the Ministry of Steel, promoted by 5 PSUs viz. Coal India Limited (CIL), Steel Authority of India (SAIL),
Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) & National Thermal Power Corporation
(NTPC), was incorporated in 2009 to secure coal supplies from its acquired coal assets overseas. CIL holds a 28.57% interest
in ICVL.
(b) CIL has issued an advertisement inviting acquisition proposals which was published in the leading newspapers in
India, Indian Trade Journal (ITJ) and CIL web-site on 27th February 2013. In response to the aforesaid notice, a number
of proposals have been received. These acquisition Proposals have been short-listed and are under various stages of
examination.
(c) Coal India Limited has successfully obtained exploration licenses for two coal blocks i.e. 3450L & 3451L in Moatize
District, Tete Province through competitive bidding process run by Government of Mozambique in early 2009. Exploration
licenses had been granted in the name of Coal India Africana Limitada (CIAL) a wholly owned subsidiary of CIL in Mozambique.
Upon completion of Environmental impact study in the allocated coal blocks exploration and associated activities started in
November 2012 and has been going on. A total of more than 21,000 m. of exploratory drilling has been completed so far.
(d)&(e) The purpose of acquisition is to bring coal to India on a commercial basis to meet the domestic demand.
If large scale reserves are acquired by CIL, it would have positive impact on the energy security of India.