GSI discovers coalfield in Chhattisgarh

A huge coal reserve has been reportedly discovered in Mand-Raigarh coalfield of Chhattisgarh in a recent survey conducted by the Geological Survey of India.

Besides coal, new reserve of bauxite and limestone has also been identified in the state that has been endowed with rich natural resources. The identification of new mineral reserves came up for discussion during the annual meeting of state-level geological programming board convened by the department of mineral resources.

"In the survey work carried out by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), indication of huge coal deposits had been found in Samarsingha, Amlichaunda, Vijaynagar, Pipraul areas," Anbalagan P, director in the mineral resources department of Chhattisgarh, said. The areas where the huge coal reserves have been found come under Mand-Raigarh coalfields.

While the coal blocks have been in news following apex court verdict cancelling the allocation, Chhattisgarh has found new coal reserves. In all, 37 coal blocks in Chhattisgarh that were allotted over a period of two decades had been cancelled.

Besides Mand-Raigarh coalfields, coal reserves have also been found in Saindu and Birjupali areas of Sarguja district. "The final assessment of the estimated coal reserves in the area was on," Anbalagan said.

Chhattisgarh has about 17 per cent of the total coal deposits of India. With an estimated reserve of 44483 million tonnes coal in 12 coalfields spread across in Raigarh, Surguja, Koriya and Korba districts, the state ranks second in coal production by contributing over 18 per cent to the total national production.The recent survey has also found huge deposit of bauxite in Mainpath area of Sarguja and Kabeerdham district. In Raipur, Rajnandgaon and Bastar districts, new reserves of limestone had been identified.The state had produced minerals worth Rs 17748 crore in the financial year 2013-14. It had earned Rs 3235.43 crore as royalty from the minerals.