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Coal Mines in India – Major Coal Fields for General Awareness

Ananya Gupta September 30, 2023 04:27 11155 0

Coal mining involves extracting coal from either underground mines or open-pit mines, which is then used for various purposes such as energy production and industrial processes. You can find a comprehensive list of coal mines in India categorized by states, major coal fields, and different types of coal.

Coal Mines in India – Major Coal Fields for General Awareness

Coal Mines in India

Coal Mines in India: In India, there are significant reserves of coal, amounting to about 319 billion tonnes. This makes India one of the largest coal producers globally. The main areas where coal is found are in the eastern and central parts of the country. The type of coal commonly found in India is mainly bituminous and sub-bituminous.

There are two main categories of coal reserves in India – Gondwana coal and Tertiary coal. Gondwana coal is one of the oldest and most important coal reserves in the world. It’s located in central India. On the other hand, Tertiary coal, which is relatively younger, is mostly found in the northeastern part of India. Both types of coal are used for various purposes, including generating power and supporting industries. Among the Gondwana coal, there are three different categories based on the carbon content – anthracite, bituminous, and sub-bituminous. These categories determine the quality and usability of the coal for different applications.

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List of Coal Mines in India

In India, there are several places where coal is mined from the ground. These areas are called coal mines. Some of the well-known coal mines in India include:

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List of Coal Mines in India
Coal Mine States
Jharia Coalfield

Bokaro Coalfield

Jayanti Coalfield

Godda Coalfield

Giridih (Karbhari Coal Field)

Ramgarh Coalfield

Karanpura Coalfield

Daltonganj Coalfield

Jharkhand
Korba Coalfield

Hasdeo Arand Coalfield

Mand-Raigarh Coalfield

Chhattisgarh
Singareni Collieries Company Limited

Kantapalli Coalfield

Kothagudem Coalfield

 Andhra Pradesh / Telangana
Neyveli Lignite Coalfield Tamil Nadu
Jharsuguda Coalfield

Rampia Coalfield

Talcher Coalfield

Ib Valley Coalfield

Odisha

 

Ledo Coalfield

Makum Coalfield

Najira Coalfield

Janji Coalfield

Lakhimpur Coalfield

Ledo Coalfield

Assam
Darrangiri (Garo hills)

Maolong and Langrin Coalfields (Khasi & Jaintia Hills)

Cherrapunji Coalfield

Liotryngew Coalfield

Meghalaya
Singrauli Coalfield

Satpura Coalfield

Sohagpur Coalfield

Johila Coalfield

Umaria Coalfield

Satpura Coalfield

Madhya Pradesh
Pench-Kanhan Coalfield

Wardha Valley Coalfield

Maharashtra

 

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Types of Coal

There are different types of coal that come from the ground, and they are categorized based on how they were formed and their properties. Here are the main types:

  • Anthracite Coal: This type of coal is very hard and shiny. It has the highest carbon content and burns with a strong and steady flame. It’s used in industries and for heating.
  • Bituminous Coal: This coal is also called “soft coal.” It’s not as hard as anthracite but has a good amount of carbon. It’s commonly used for making electricity and heat.
  • Sub-Bituminous Coal: This is a bit less carbon-rich than bituminous coal. It’s often used for generating electricity.
  • Lignite (Brown Coal): Lignite is the youngest and least carbon-rich type of coal. It has a lower energy content and is usually used for electricity generation.

These different types of coal have varying qualities and are used for different purposes, like producing energy, making products, and heating.

Largest Coal Mines in India 

Some of the biggest places where coal is mined in India are known as the largest coal mines. These mines produce a lot of coal to be used for various things. Here are a couple of them:

  • Jharia Coalfield (Jharkhand): This is one of the largest areas where coal is taken out from the ground.
  • Singrauli Coalfield (Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh): Another really big place where coal is mined.

These coal mines are important because they provide a lot of coal that’s used for making electricity, industries, and other things we use every day. Remember, there are more big coal mines in India, but these are a couple of examples.

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Oldest Coal Mines in India

The oldest places in India where coal has been mined for a long time are known as the oldest coal mines. These mines have been around for a while. Here are a couple of them:

  • Raniganj Coalfield (West Bengal): One of the oldest areas where coal has been extracted from the ground in India.
  • Jharia Coalfield (Jharkhand): Another place with some of the oldest coal mining history in India.

These coal mines have been in operation for a long time and have contributed to the country’s energy and industrial needs for many years. Keep in mind that there are other old coal mines in India too, but these are a couple of examples.

Coal Mines in India Map

An illustration displaying the geographical arrangement of coal reserves across India is depicted on a coal mines map. You can view an example of such a map here.

Coal Mines Map

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Coal Mines in India Challenges 

Coal mining in India encounters various difficulties and obstacles that affect the industry’s operations and outcomes. Some of the key challenges include:

  1. Environmental Impact: Coal mining can lead to environmental degradation, including air and water pollution, deforestation, and habitat destruction. Addressing these impacts while meeting energy demands is a challenge.
  2. Safety Concerns: Working in coal mines poses risks to the health and safety of miners. Accidents, mine collapses, and health hazards are challenges that need continuous mitigation.
  3. Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation: Acquiring land for mining and ensuring proper rehabilitation of affected communities is often contentious and requires careful planning and execution.
  4. Technological Modernization: Implementing advanced mining technologies and techniques to ensure efficient extraction and minimize environmental impact remains a challenge.
  5. Sustainable Practices: Balancing the need for coal production with sustainable practices, including reforestation and reclamation of mined areas, is a significant challenge.
  6. Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to complex regulations, environmental standards, and safety guidelines while maintaining productivity is a challenge for the coal mining sector.
  7. Social Impact: The displacement of communities due to mining activities can lead to social unrest and challenges in providing alternate livelihoods.
  8. Economic Viability: Fluctuating coal prices, global energy market dynamics, and competition from renewable energy sources pose challenges to the economic viability of coal mining.
  9. Infrastructure Development: Developing and maintaining transportation infrastructure for coal transportation from mines to end-users can be a logistical challenge.

Coal Mines in India UPSC

Understanding coal mines in India is important for the UPSC exam because they play a crucial role in the nation’s energy sector, impacting economic growth and development. UPSC candidates need a solid grasp of India’s energy landscape, challenges, and strategies to tackle them. Moreover, coal mining links to societal, environmental, and economic concerns, making UPSC questions about these challenges common.

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Coal Mines in India FAQs

Coal mines are important because coal is a primary source of energy for electricity generation, industrial processes, and more. It significantly impacts India's energy security and economic growth.

The largest coal mine in India is the Jharia Coalfield, located in the state of Jharkhand. Jharia Coalfield is one of the oldest and most productive coal mining areas in India, known for its significant coal reserves and production capacity.

Here are five major coal mines in India: Jharia Coalfield: Located in Jharkhand, it's one of the largest and oldest coalfields in India. Singrauli Coalfield: Situated in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, it's another significant coal mining area. Talcher Coalfield: Located in Odisha, this coalfield is known for its substantial coal reserves. Raniganj Coalfield: Situated in West Bengal, it's one of the oldest coal mining areas in India. Korba Coalfield: Located in Chhattisgarh, it's known for its coal production and is a key contributor to India's energy needs.

The first coal mine in India is generally considered to be the Raniganj Coalfield, located in West Bengal.

Burning coal releases greenhouse gases, contributing to global climate change. Efforts are being made to reduce coal consumption and transition to cleaner alternatives.
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