GMDC, RIL inks JV for lignite, coal gasification projects

New Delhi, May 4 (UNI) Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd (GMDC) today said it has executed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) to undertake lignite, coal gasification projects.

RIL will hold 51 per cent stake in the JV while remaining will rest with GMDC.

The RIL-GMDC JV is planning a 600 million tonne (MT) lignite gasification project divided into three phases with 200 MT capacity each, a statement said.

A potential lignite mine block has been identified in south Gujarat for the pilot phase which will be mined below depth of 150 metres.

In addition, the JV would explore potential lignite blocks across the country for gasification project.

An overseas company with interest in lignite gasificaiton project has expressed interest in financing upto 500 million dollars for the pilot lignite gasification project.

GMDC has developed several mining centres for producing energy minerals like lignite, basic commodities like base metals and industrial minerals like bauxite, fluorspar, granite and marble and supplies minerals to industries like steel, aluminum, refrigerants and foundries.

UNI