Gadkari Proposes Using Non-Functional Coal Mines in Vidarbha for Coal Gasification Projects
GG News Bureau
Nagpur, 29th Jan. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari suggested on Sunday that economically not viable coal mines in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region and WCL areas, which produce low-quality coal and have almost ceased mining operations, could be repurposed for coal gasification projects.
Gadkari made this statement during a session on ‘coal gasification’ at the Advantage Vidarbha event in Nagpur. The event was attended by coal secretary Amritlal Meena, Niti Aayog member VK Saraswat, and Coal India Limited (CIL) chairman PM Prasad, among others.
The Minister for Road Transport and Highways asked the CIL and the Coal Ministry if these economically unviable coal mines, as well as those with low-quality coal and minimal mining activity in Vidarbha and Western Coal Fields (WCL) areas, could be utilized for coal gasification projects.
Gadkari also advocated for the use of non-viable coal blocks and low-quality coal in WCL areas for coal gasification.
The Union minister supported public-private partnerships in coal gasification projects, coal extraction, and power projects at coal pitheads.
Gadkari highlighted the impact of the ammonium nitrate shortage on the mining industry and emphasized the need for large-scale production of ammonium nitrate.
He suggested using nano urea, introduced by the Centre, instead of extracting urea from coal.
Gadkari reiterated the importance of alternative fuel and biofuel for the country’s future.
“Coal gasification can produce not only methanol but also 300 other by-products, reducing fuel imports. This presents a significant opportunity to develop the methanol economy in the country,” he stated.
Gadkari mentioned that there are abundant coal reserves in Yavatmal, Chandrapur, and Nagpur districts in the Vidarbha region, as well as in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh where WCL operates.
“These resources can undoubtedly contribute to increased employment in the WCL region. Advantage Vidarbha is working towards this objective,” he added.
