Coal ministry puts up 41 mines for auction

New Delhi: The coal ministry on Wednesday put up for auction 41 mines, comprising 20 conventional and 21 underground coal gasification (UCG) mines, pushing for utilisation of deep-seated coal reserves through gassification. It is the first time the government has put up for auction potential UCG mines, aiming to promote cleaner and more diversified uses of coal.

“Underground coal gassification technique allows for conversion of deep-seated coal to syngas. This results in less pollution, and industries can use this as feedstock, reducing imports of natural gas,” said coal and mines minister G Kishan Reddy. “Coal gassification will not only provide clean energy to the industry, but also will be a big step for India towards a hydrogen economy.”