The exploration of 54 coal mines have been allocated through the auction as well as the government dispensation routes and is likely to begin in the next two months. The detailed action plans for the exploration of the coal mines have been chalked out by Coal India Ltd’ s consultancy firm Central Mine Planning and Design Institute.
In the month of May the Coal Ministry had identified 54 blocks to be allocated in various sectors which include steel, power and cement. Out of the 54 mines a maximum of 16 have been earmarked for the power sector, 12 for the government firms, 12 for the steel sector , 7 for the cement sector, 2 for the surface gasification and 5 for the sponge iron.
