ENA Sectors 2024-11-28 15:09:01 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Nov 28 (KNN)</strong> In a significant development for India's coal sector, Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy has revealed plans for substantial growth in coal mining operations over the next five years.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">State-owned Coal India Ltd is set to develop 36 new mining projects, marking a strategic expansion of the country's coal production infrastructure.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">According to a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, the mining landscape will see contributions from multiple state-owned entities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) is poised to develop seven new mines, while NLC India Ltd (NLCIL) plans to open two new blocks, demonstrating a coordinated approach to national coal production.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Coal Ministry has made substantial progress in block allocation, having distributed a total of 175 coal blocks nationwide.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Of these, 65 blocks have received mine opening permissions, with 54 currently operational. This indicates a robust framework for systematic coal exploration and extraction.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Production figures underscore the sector's growth trajectory. In the fiscal year 2023-24, coal production reached 997.8 million tonnes, a significant increase from 893.191 million tonnes in the previous year, reflecting a robust upward trend in national coal output.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">While the expansion presents economic opportunities, the projects are not without environmental considerations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Coal mining projects typically require extensive land acquisition, often involving forest areas, which can lead to habitat displacement and potential livelihood disruptions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Recognising these challenges, the ministry mandates a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for each project, ensuring thorough evaluation of both pre and post-mining environmental conditions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span></p> 40069 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/india-plans-massive-expansion-in-coal-mining-with-36-new-projects 2024-11-28 15:09:01 knnindia.co.in