Eco-Friendly Steps in the Coal Sector

Eco-Friendly Steps in the Coal Sector

Context:

The Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, highlighted eco-friendly initiatives in the coal sector during a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. These measures aim to mitigate environmental impact, especially concerning water pollution and sustainable resource use, in coal and lignite mining areas.

Relevance:
GS-01 (Minerals)

Key Highlights:

1. Water Pollution Control Measures:
   • Mine discharge water is treated through sedimentation in mine sumps and surface sedimentation ponds/settling tanks before discharge.
   • Quality of mine water and workshop effluent is regularly monitored and tested as per norms through NABL accredited laboratories before reuse and discharge.
2. Community Use of Treated Mine Water:
   • Over the last five years, 18,513 Lakh Kilo Liters (LKL) of treated mine water has been provided for community purposes by Coal/Lignite PSUs.
     • CIL: 13,805 LKL (Domestic: 6309 LKL, Irrigation: 7496 LKL)
     • NLCIL: 1774 LKL (Domestic: 613 LKL, Irrigation: 1161 LKL)
     • SCCL: 2934 LKL (Domestic: 88 LKL, Irrigation: 2846 LKL)
   • Treated mine water is also offered to state governments of coal-bearing states for community utilization.
3. Eco-Friendly Initiatives:
   • Greening initiatives like bio-reclamation and plantation in and around mining areas.
   • Development of eco-parks and mine tourism sites.
   • Utilization of overburden (OB) through OB processing plants and M-sand plants.
   • Implementation of energy efficiency measures, including:
     • Replacement of conventional lights with LED lights.
     • Installation of energy-efficient air conditioners, super fans, electric vehicles, and efficient water heaters.
     • Use of energy-efficient motors for pumps and auto-timers in street lights.

Significance:

• Environmental Protection: These measures help in reducing the environmental impact of coal mining by treating water pollution, reusing treated water, and enhancing green cover.
• Community Benefits: Treated mine water provided for domestic and irrigation purposes supports local communities, especially in water-scarce regions.
• Sustainability: Adoption of energy-efficient technologies and sustainable practices promotes resource conservation and reduces carbon footprint.
• Economic Development: Development of eco-parks and mine tourism sites can boost local economies and provide alternative livelihoods in mining areas.
• Government Commitment: The initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to balancing industrial activities with environmental sustainability and community welfare.

Coal Sector in Indian Economy:

• The Indian coal sector is one of the eight core sectors significantly contributing to the country’s economic development.
• India has four grades of coal:
  • Lignite
  • Bituminous
  • Sub-Bituminous
  • Anthracite (Anthracite is the highest grade).

Geographical Distribution:

• Over 70% of India’s coal reserves are located in the South-Central region, specifically in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.

Production and Global Standing:

• India is the second-largest producer of Anthracite globally, following China.
• India holds nearly a 9% share of global coal production.

Economic Contribution:

• The mining sector, including coal, contributes over 2% to India’s total GDP.

Imports and Exports:

• In FY 2023, coal accounted for an estimated 8% of India’s major imports.
• India exports coking coal to neighboring countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.

About Coal Controller’s Organization (CCO):

• The CCO was established in 1975 under the Coal Mines (Conservation and Development) Act, 1974.
• Ministry: It operates under the Ministry of Coal.
• Headquarters: The CCO is headquartered in Kolkata, with field offices in Dhanbad, Ranchi, Bilaspur, Nagpur, Sambalpur, Kothagudem, and Asansol.