No private players in commercial mining
Shekhar Shrivastava
What is the status of the Coal India IPO? When is it likely to hit the markets? How much do you plan to raise?
The IPO is very much on and likely to be in the market by September this year, this will be one of the most successful IPO, though Coal India is a very cash rich company and we have cash reserve of 35000 crores in the banks,we are targeting just for 10000crores the entire funds we are going to raise from the IPO will be utilized in various government schemes for development of the nation.
What is the update on the coal regulator?
The coal ministry has prepared a draft regarding appointment of coal regulators, which has been circulated in all the ministries, we are waiting for the cabinet to pass the bill then it will be tabled in Rajya Sabha.
Power companies have been complaining of congestion in transporting coal. What is your ministry planning to do now that so much additional capacity is coming on stream?
Yes, there is a congestion in transportation of coal to the power companies, the reason being late availability of railway racks, lack of railway siding near various power companies, one another important factor for the congestion is that there are not many coal handling plants. But we have sorted out this issue, now we have constituted a Task force which will monitor the closest link between coal block and power plant, suppose we have to send coal to NTPC singrauli then we will make sure that coal is transported from a nearest coal fields Northern coalfields limited in Sidhi district for minimum transportation . we have also insured for a massive coordination between both the ministers .
There were plans set up around 20 coal washeries on build operate transfer basis. What is the status of these?
Yes. There have been a budget of Rs 2500 crore sanctioned for 20 coal washeries to produce 111.1 million tonnes of washed coal ,out of these 20 washeries 12 are coking coal washeries and 8 are non-coking coal washeries. We have already done with the tenders and within 4-5 years all the washeries will be commissioned.
What is the update on allowing private miners for commercial purposes? Is the amendment to the Coal act likely to feature on the government’s agenda some time soon?
No private miners will be permitted for commercial purpose.
There have been reports about moves put up captive miningblocks for auction. What is the update on this?
It has been approved by the cabinet and likely to be passed by Rajya Sabha and should be through in this monsoon session.
Coal India was looking at setting up a Coal Videsh and acquiring some mines aboard. No moves in this direction have been reported?
Yes. Coal Videsh started off very well ,we are scouting coal assets abroad we have already acquired 2 coal blocks in Mozambique and on the verge of finalizing few in Australia, Indonesia and USA.
The ministry of environment and forest has declared the coal mine allotted to the Sarguja UMPP as a no-go area. Are you planning to allot a new mine or is your ministry taking this up with the MOEF? What is the level of coordination between your ministry and MOEF on such matters?
We had awarded coal blocks to the ministry of power for a captive use of 4000mw UMPP in the state oh Chhattisgarh, now the ministry of environment has declared a no –go- area where mining cannot be done. There will be no alternate allotment of coal block. The coordination between Ministry of Environment and my ministry is perfect.
MOEF has also objected to the allotment of some 42 other coal blocks as being in green zones. What will be the fate of the projects attached to these blocks?
The matter is pending with Member Energy.
What are this year’s production targets and how do they compare with last year?
This years target is 460 million tonnes which is almost 7 per cent more then last year, last year we did 432 million tonnes, and as on date we are going at good pace and expecting to cross the target before time.
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