No decision on Coal Regulatory and Giridh Coalfield

New Delhi, May 17 (UNI) Minister of State for Coal Dr Dasari Narayana Rao informed the members in Lok Sabha in a written reply that no decision has been taken on the setting up of a Regulatory Authority for Coal and revival of the Giridih Coke Plant.

He said the Coal India Limited (CIL) has received a report prepared by the Central Mines Planning Design Institute Ltd (CMPDIL) on the revival of Girdih Coke Plant and the same is under scrutiny, he added.

Responding to a question Dr Rao admitted that the Centre for Applied Research and Development (CARD) is an in house R and D Centre of Neyveli Lignite Corporation and is recognised by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research under Ministry of Science and Technology since 1975.

In response to another question the Minister said the prices of coking coal used as fuel for production of steel in Australia, USA, China and Brazil are not available as steel and coal industries do not divulge the rate at which the coal is sold.

However, the prices of Indian coking coal with 18.5 per cent ash content is about Rs 5023 per metric tonne whereas the average landed cost of Australian coking coal with 9.5 per cent ash content is around Rs 6730 per metric tonne at Indian ports.

The price of imported coking coal could be higher on account of difference in intrinsic quality of coking coal, cost of freight and insurance elements, he added.

UNI BKS CS ND1446