Two of the World’s 5 Largest Coal Mines Now in India

Chhattisgarh-based Coal India subsidiary South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) operates two of the world's largest coal mines in India — Gevra and Kusmunda, which have secured the 2nd and 4th spot in the list of the world’s 10 largest coal mines released by WorldAtlas.com.

1. Gevra Coal Mine: Located in the Korba district of Chhattisgarh, the Gevra opencast mine produces approximately 70 million tons of coal annually. In the financial year 2023-24, it produced 59 million tons of coal. Gevra started operations in 1981 and has enough coal reserves to meet India's energy requirements for the next 10 years.

2. Kusmunda Coal Mine: Kusmunda achieved a remarkable feat by producing more than 50 million tons of coal in the same financial year. It is the second mine in India, after Gevra, to achieve this milestone.

Both mines deploy advanced mining machines, including the "Surface Miner," which extracts coal without blasting, and large HEMMs (Heavy Earth Moving Machinery) for overburden removal. SECL's achievement is a testament to the hard work of coal workers and various stakeholders.

These mines contribute significantly to India's total coal production, which has grown from 382.62 million tons in 2004-05 to 893.19 million tons in 2022-23, with projections to touch 1000 million tons in 2023-24.

Gurugram and NTPC to Ink Agreement for Waste-To-Charcoal Plant Using Torrefaction Tech

The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) is set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Thermal Power Corporation on July 10 for the establishment of its first 'waste-to-charcoal plant' at the Bandhwari landfill, said media reports including Hindustan Times.

Once fully operational, this plant will convert 600 metric tons of waste generated from the city into 200 metric tons of coal daily. The initiative follows the cancellation of Ecogreen Energy’s contract for solid waste management, which had left MCG in a bind over new waste processing tenders.

To recall, in mid of the last month, the Haryana state government has declared a municipal solid waste exigency in Gurugram due to alarming levels of untreated waste adversely affecting the environment and public health. Under Section 22 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the state government has launched the Solid Waste Environment Exigency Program (SWEEP).

The Urban Waste to Charcoal Plant will utilize torrefaction technology, making the resultant flue gases easier to clean and the final product, torrefied charcoal, hydrophobic with a high heating value similar to conventional coal.

The Plant will be established by NTPC and is expected to be completed within 18 months. In a recent test, 50 metric tons of waste has successfully converted into green charcoal.

Torrefaction technology is a thermal treatment process that converts biomass (such as wood, agricultural residues, or organic waste) into a more energy-dense and stable material. To give the overview of process involved in Torrefaction technology, biomass is heated in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic conditions) at temperatures typically between 200°C and 300°C. The process removes moisture and volatile compounds from the biomass, leaving behind a solid product known as "torrefied biomass" or "biochar."

Torrefied biomass has a higher energy content per unit weight compared to raw biomass. It can be used as a renewable fuel for heat and power generation.

The torrefaction process reduces the hygroscopic nature of biomass, making it less prone to absorbing moisture during storage and transportation.

Torrefied biomass produces fewer emissions (such as sulfur and nitrogen compounds) during combustion. It can replace coal in existing power plants, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, torrefied biomass can be compressed into pellets or briquettes for residential heating or industrial use.

In one of its green applications, Biochar resulting from torrefaction can enhance soil quality and carbon sequestration.

In summary, torrefaction improves biomass properties, making it a valuable resource for sustainable energy and waste management.

In India’s 1st, Ministry Starts Underground Coal Gasification Project Converting It to H2, CO and CO2 for Industrial Uses

Ministry of Coal initiates India’s First Ever Pilot project for Underground Coal Gasification in Jharkhand

Initiative aims to Revolutionize the Coal Industry by using in-situ coal gasification to convert it into valuable gases such as methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide for industrial applications

Under the strategic direction of the Ministry of Coal, Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) has embarked on an innovative pilot project for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) at the Kasta coal block in Jamtara District, Jharkhand.

This groundbreaking initiative aims to revolutionize the coal industry by using in-situ coal gasification to convert it into valuable gases such as methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. These gases can be utilized for industrial applications, including producing synthetic natural gas, chemical feedstocks for fuels, fertilizers, explosives, and more.

This project represents a significant milestone for Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries, positioning India as a leader in adopting advanced coal gasification technology. As the pilot project progresses, it aims to establish new standards and enhance energy security while promoting sustainable development.

In December, 2015, the Ministry of Coal approved a comprehensive policy framework for UCG in coal and lignite-bearing areas. In alignment with this policy, Coal India selected the Kasta coal block to implement UCG technology tailored to Indian geo-mining conditions. Managed by ECL in collaboration with CMPDI Ranchi and Ergo Exergy Technologies Inc. (EETI) from Canada, this project spans two years and comprises of two phases.

Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) is a fascinating process that unlocks the energy potential of coal reserves located deep underground. A suitable coal seam is identified, typically at depths where traditional mining is challenging and wells are drilled into the coal seam from the surface. Oxygen or air is injected into the coal seam through one well, while another well collects the produced gases. The injected oxygen reacts with the coal, initiating gasification. Oxygen or air is injected into the coal seam through one well, while another well collects the produced gases. The injected oxygen reacts with the coal, initiating gasification. The high temperatures (around 1,000°C) cause the coal to undergo chemical reactions, releasing gases.

The primary gases produced during UCG include — Synthetic Gas or 'Syngas', a mixture of hydrogen (H₂) and carbon monoxide (CO); Methane (CH₄); Carbon Dioxide (CO₂); and other Hydrocarbons, depending on coal composition.

The collected gases are extracted through the second well. These gases can be used for various purposes as mentioned below:

• Syngas can fuel gas turbines or combined-cycle power plants.
• Syngas serves as a feedstock for chemicals.
• Hydrogen Production:Valuable for clean energy applications.
• Heat Generation: Methane can be used for heating.

Moreover, UCG reduces environmental impact compared to traditional coal mining:

• No Surface Mining: Minimizes land disturbance.
• Reduced Emissions: Syngas can be cleaner than burning coal directly.
• Carbon Capture: CO₂ can potentially be captured and stored.

Besides this, other companies invloved in UCG projects in the country include ONGC and Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited (NLC). These organizations have jointly identified several sites for studying the suitability of Underground Coal Gasification (UCG). Location of sites are Tadkeshwar in Gujarat, Hodu-Sindhari & East Kurla in Rajasthan, and Surkha in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat.

Coal India Limited (CIL) is driving India's coal gasification mission. They have identified five surface coal gasification projects which include Shilpanjal Pariyojana (West Bengal), Project Utkarsh (Maharashtra), Dankuni (West Bengal), Ashoka (Jharkhand), Mahamaya SCG (Chhattisgarh). Two tenders have been issued in the build-own-operate model.

Apart from India, it's worth noting that China, with significant coal reserves, has been actively pushing for coal gasification. They adopt proven western-developed gasifiers to gain operational experience.

These initiatives demonstrate the growing interest in cleaner energy solutions and the efficient utilization of coal resources.

THDC India to Switch-On One of Its 1.2 GW Coal-based Thermal Power Plant by September This Year

THDC India Ltd is on track to make its Rs 12,000-crore coal-based thermal power project operational by September 2024. This project marks the company's entry into the domestic thermal energy sector. The project involves setting up 1.32 GW i.e. Two 1,320 megawatt (2 x 660 MW) Super Thermal Power Project (STPP) in Bulandshahr district, Uttar Pradesh.

As of January 2024, about Rs 9,428.30 crore has been spent on the Khurja Super Thermal Power Plant (KSTPP), and approximately 85% of the construction work has been completed. The first unit of 660 MW is expected to be operational by September this year, with the second unit projected to be operational by March 2025.

The project also includes an environment-friendly carbon capture technique to capture CO2 emissions. Once completed, the plant is expected to generate 9,264 million units (MUs) of power annually, which corresponds to an 85% plant load factor (PLF)¹. A significant portion of the power generated, about 64.7% (854 MW), will be supplied to Uttar Pradesh, with the remaining distributed to other beneficiaries.

The foundation stone for the project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 9, 2019, and the project spans over an area of 1,200.843 acres. It is linked to the operational Amelia coal mine located in Singrauli district, Madhya Pradesh. This initiative is a significant step towards enhancing India's power generation capacity.

THDC India Ltd, formerly known as Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Ltd, is a leading public sector enterprise in the power sector. It was incorporated in July 1988 and is under the ownership of the National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC), Ministry of Power, Government of India. The company has been involved in various hydroelectric projects and has recently ventured into thermal power with the development of the Khurja Super Thermal Power Project (KSTPP) in Uttar Pradesh.

The KSTPP is a significant project for THDC India as it marks its entry into the domestic thermal energy sector. With an investment of Rs 12,000 crore, the project aims to set up two 660 MW super thermal power plant, which is expected to be operational by September 2024 for its first unit.

THDC India's initiatives extend beyond power generation. They have been involved in community development activities such as computer distribution campaigns in government schools and organizing awareness programs on World Water Day. These activities demonstrate THDC India's commitment to corporate social responsibility and its efforts to contribute positively to the communities around its projects.

THDC plans to increase its installed capacity to 4,351 MW by 2026. This includes the commissioning of projects such as Tehri PSP, VPHEP, and Khurja STPP.

THDC has dedicated India's largest electrolyser end fuel cell-based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project at Rishikesh. This project is aligned with the National Green Hydrogen Mission and aims to produce 50KG of Green Hydrogen daily using input energy from a 1MW Rooftop Solar Plant.

34 Coal Innovations Proposals Received from Start-Ups, Research Organizations, Institutions

As per the directive of Ministry of Coal, CMPDI organized Hackathon on R&D to encourage start-ups/research organizations/academic institutions for promoting “Make in India” initiatives in coal and lignite sector. The Hackathon Proposal submission started on 12 June'23 and ended on 12 August'23.

Overwhelming response from Scientists, Researchers, Faculty and students received for this Hackathon.

Overall, 34 proposals received on 5 problem statements which are to be judged as per evaluation and selection criteria. The 5 selected problem statements were:

• Payload monitoring of loading equipment (Shovels / Excavators) displayed in operator’s cabin
• Optimization of dust suppression in opencast mines
• Design, Develop & Implementation of Pilot 5G Application and Use Cases for Coal Industry
• Technology to detect the effect of blasting on Propagation of cracks in structures
• Technology for efficient management of coal grade monitoring system

Judges will select top 3 proposals for each problem statement and selected participants will be felicitated in person at CMPDI, Ranchi on 15 September'23.

In the last week of this month, Participants will have to make presentation online before distinguished judges comprising faculties/subject experts from IIT Kharapur, IIT-ISM Dhanbad, IIT-BHU Varanasi, IIIT Ranchi, SCCL Kothagudem, CMPDI, CCL, NCL and CIL.

INR 9,00,000 combined worth of prizes are to be given to selected wining candidates. The Hackathon was sponsored by Amazon Web Services (AWS).

CMPDI conducted the hackathon for Research & Development problem statements (as above ) to promote creativity and innovation by providing a platform for participants to think out the box and develop novel solutions for real world challenges faced by CIL and the mining industry.

CMPDIL (Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited) is a subsidiary of Coal India Ltd. (CIL) stands as a symbol of specialist consultant for all those who are in the mineral and mining sector.

The Ministry of Coal remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing startup talent and encouraging innovation within the coal sector. The successful hackathon event is a testament to the industry's potential for growth through collaboration and technological advancements.