The future of SAIL's
domestic prime coking coal asset in Jharia coalfield in Jharkhand remains
uncertain. The field has estimated reserves of 96.78 million tonnes.
Last year, SAIL had
received three technical and commercial bids from prospective mine
developers-cum-operators (MDO) for the Tasra coal block, including a part of
the contiguous Chasnalla block. However, it is yet to decide on the issue, said
sources.
Bids were submitted on or
before June 19 last year for the block in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district.
Sources involved in the
process, say the delay in taking a decision is intriguing. SAIL had floated
tenders several times in the past decade to select a contract miner only to
cancel them later.
In the last attempt to
rope in an MDO or a contract miner, SAIL had protected its interest in the
tender document for the 4 million tonnes a year project.
Apart from the development
of the proposed open cast mine, the project included setting up a pithead coal
beneficiation plant, rehabilitation and resettlement of people from the
proposed mine site and setting up of a 200-300 mw thermal power plant in a joint
venture with SAIL.
Though the mine lease area
covers 4.5 sq. km or 450 hectares (ha), the proposed project needs surface
rights for 900.59 ha.
According to the bid
document, the MDO is required to acquire 453.06 ha of privately occupied land
as also rehabilitate and resettle some 3,500 families in the proposed project
area. Of the total required surface rights, SAIL has already acquired 346.67
ha.
It is also in discussions
with the State Government, DVC, and Fertiliser Corporation for acquisition of 102.88
ha, including 20 ha needed for the planned (minimum capacity of 3.5 mt a year)
beneficiation unit.
Apart from an approved
mine plan, the mining lease is under deemed extension (renewal application is
being considered by Jharkhand) and the environmental clearance is in place.
The selected MDO is also
to get a detailed project report prepared by CMPDIL.
But, the project operator
has to obtain clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests for the
coal beneficiation plant.
This captive resource
exploitation project, for the coking coal-deficient SAIL, is estimated to have
28 years of life including two years for construction.
SAIL had obtained the
block from Bharat Coaking Coal Ltd in 1996.