INDIAN MINING PERSPECTIVE - COAL.

Though coal mining commenced in India as early as 1774, it is only during the current century that the industry expanded rapidly. Coal production, which was about 6 million tons at the beginning of this century, crossed the 100 million tons level in 1976-77, and is expected to exceed 150 million tons during the current year. Further rapid expansion is envisaged and the industry is poised to achieve production of 375 million tons by the end of this century. This article discusses various aspects of the industry in India, including coal resources and occurrence, coal characteristics, coal demand projections, production strategy, and other related subjects.