New Delhi: Noting that the world over, countries are falling back on coal, Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi urged state-run Coal India Limited (CIL) to become an exporter of coal in the next two-three years to make the most of this opportunity. Addressing a high level Conference and Exhibition on the theme “Underground Coal Mining – Way Forward for Sustainable Energy Security,” organised by Coal India Limited (CIL) and the Ministry of Coal, Joshi reiterated once again that coal is going to be an important part of India's energy mix for the next 30-35 years.
The minister complemented Coal India Limited and its subsidiaries for achieving record coal production and said that sustainable mining needs to be ensured while working towards Aatmanirbhar India in coal sector. Joshi urged to ensure safety in coal mines with utmost priority while focusing on stepped up production.
"Even as the world economy is going through a slowdown, India has emerged as a bright spot as one of the fastest growing economies globally," the minister pointed out. Joshi further stated that internationally India’s credibility has increased substantially in the recent years and the country has emerged as the world’s factory. He called upon the coal sector to devise suitable action plans to meet the growing energy requirements of the country in the coming years. The minister appreciated the new initiatives and reforms undertaken by the Coal Ministry to enhance commercial coal mining. At least 87 coal blocks have been successfully auctioned under commercial auction and some of them have already started production, he said. Joshi stated that deliberation on new strategies to enhance coal production form underground mines is a step in the right direction.
After releasing the underground coal mining vision plan of CIL, Joshi gave away “Coal Minister’s Award” for best performing subsidiaries of CIL in different categories like safety, production, sustainability, quality and ERP. The minister also desired that a separate award for innovation may be introduced. Earlier, the minister inaugurated a special exhibition organised as part of the conference.
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