CoalMin decides to deallocate 28 blocks

The Coal Ministry has decided to deallocate 28 coal blocks of companies, including JSPL, Areclor Mittal and Sterlite Energy, for delays in developing the mines alloted to them for captive use.

The development follows the the recommendations of the inter-ministerial group (IMG) which suggested the deallocation of mines.

"The inter-ministerial group on coal blocks has recommended to deallocate 28 coal blocks. The recommendations of the IMG has been accepted by the government and coal blocks would be deallocated," according to a Coal Ministry official.

The move comes in the wake of the panel on coal blocks, reviewing the progress of development of 61 coal blocks.

Some of the coal blocks which have been deallocated includes Lohara West and Lohara Ext (E) mine alloted to Adani Power and Madhujore mine jointly allocated to Ramswarup Lohh Udyog, Adhunik Corporation, Uttam Galva Steels, Howrah Gases, Vikas Metals and Power Ltd, ACC Cement Ltd.

While in some cases the coal blocks have been "deallocated forthwith" in other cases "the recommendations of IMG (for deallocation) have been considered and accepted by the competent authority on February 11, 2014. However, further action is put of hold, " the coal ministry official said.

Some of blocks where further action with regard to the blocks have been put on hold due to cases pending in the court are Palma IV/6 coal block allocated to Jindal Steel and Power Ltd and Nalwa Sponge Iron Ltd, Rampia and Dip side of Rampia coal block allocated to firms like Arecelor Mittal, Sterlite Energy, Lanco and GMR Energy, Rajgamar Dipside (South of Pulakdih Nala) coal block jointly alloted to Monnet Ispat and Energy Ltd among others.