Question : COAL RESERVES



(a) the estimated coal reserves available in the country, grade-wise; and

(b) the details of the mining rights of the coal reserves given to public and private sector companies separately?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE FOR COAL(SHRI PRATIK PRAKASHBAPU PATIL)

(a) : As per Geological Survey of India, as on 01.04.2011, a total of 2,85,862 Million Tonnes of geological resources (coking coal 33.47 billion tonnes and non-coking coal 252.40 billion tonnes) of coal have so far been estimated in India upto the maximum depth of 1200 metre. The assessed coal resources are broadly categorised as coking and non-coking coal only. However, grade-wise assessment is not done. Grade-wise details are worked out at the time of projectization of coal reserves.

(b) : So far 195 mining rights (Coal blocks) have been given to different public and private sector companies. Out of these 195 coal blocks, 84 blocks with a coal reserve of about 22 billion tonnes have been given to Government companies and 111 blocks with a reserve of 22.15 billion tonnes including 12 blocks for Ultra Mega Power Projects with 4.8 billion tonnes of coal reserve have been given to private sector companies.