Parliament panel urges modernisation of coal washeries to boost domestic quality output
NEW DELHI: The parliamentary Standing Committee on Coal, Mines and Steel has highlighted that the high ash content in domestically produced coal remains a 'major challenge', and has called for greater priority to coal beneficiation and modernisation of washery infrastructure to increase the availability of higher-quality coal.
In its latest report, the committee observed a significant variance between the installed capacity of coking coal washeries and their actual output. This discrepancy, it said, stems from ageing infrastructure, legacy technology, delayed supply of raw coal from mine pitheads, and design incompatibilities between certain washeries and the raw coal supplied.
The committee also noted that many washeries operated by Coal India Limited (CIL) have outlived their designed operational life and are grappling with obsolete technology. For instance, CIL produces just 3.59 million tonnes (MT) of washed coking coal annually against an installed capacity of 18.35 MT per annum, indicating severe underutilisation of existing assets.
High-ash coal is unsuitable for direct use in steel production and requires washing and blending with higher-grade, low-ash coal. This dependence on beneficiated coal is a key reason behind India's continued reliance on imports of coking coal, which is essential for the steel sector.
To address these issues, the committee recommended timely modernisation of ageing washeries and removal of logistical bottlenecks to ensure maximum utilisation of coal assets and enhance the supply of washed coal. Specifically, it urged the ministry to set up washeries 'at or near pitheads' and to align future washery development with mine expansion plans and first-mile connectivity infrastructure.
The committee pointed out that pithead beneficiation allows ash and impurities to be removed closer to the source of production. This approach improves transportation efficiency, reduces emissions linked to coal movement, and strengthens the overall economics of coal utilisation.
Industry experts have long argued that investing in coal washing technology is crucial not only for improving the quality of domestic coal but also for reducing the environmental impact of coal transport and combustion. The committee's report underscores the need for a structured and time-bound strategy to upgrade washery infrastructure, which is currently a weak link in the coal supply chain.
The recommendations come at a time when India's coal production has been rising, but the quality of the fuel remains a concern for downstream industries, particularly steel. The government's focus on increasing domestic coal output through captive and commercial mines has yet to translate into commensurate gains in washed coal availability.
Addressing these gaps would require coordinated action among Coal India, its subsidiaries, and the Ministry of Coal, along with adequate investment in modern beneficiation technologies. The committee's report is expected to guide policy decisions in the coming months as the ministry works on a roadmap for the sector.
