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Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel resource in India, and the country's industrial and economic heritage has been built upon indigenous coal. India is the world's 3rd largest energy consumer after China and USA. However, as the country goes through profound economic and societal transformations, such as economic and population growth, urbanization and industrialization, energy demand is expected to increase substantially. Looking into the significance of coal not only in the energy-mix but also in the economic development of India, the paper is aimed at an assessment of coal sector in India which shall also help contextualize the place of coal in India's contemporary energy, industrial and social sectors amidst a range of developments - both national and international - related to coal sector. The authors looked into various aspects of Indian coal sector from a policy perspective and suggested subsequent course of action so the same can be used by Indian coal mining stakeholders towards the larger goal of sustainable growth of coal sector including coal mining. The analysis produced important policy recommendations for coal industry stakeholders including the Indian Government, who is the sovereign owner of coal mine acreage in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is striving hard to meet its energy and mineral needs for maintaining desired pace of development. This has led to pressure on boosting the production from mines. Unfortunately this growth was lopsided as almost all the growth in production was from opencast mines which was mainly due to obvious reason of availability of easy and shallow deposits. This may result in a sharp fa ll in production after the shallow deposits are exhausted. It is therefore desirable to increase the share of underground production by improving its financial viability so that the share of underground mines increases and a sustained production can be ensured. Providing fresh air to a working place at deep and remote place is a cost intensive process accounting for as much as 50% total energy consumption o f the mine. This paper presents a case for introduction of ventilation on demand (VOD) in Indian mines for improving the energy efficiency o f ventilation system of underground mines. The paper describes its essential component of VOD system, continuous airflow measuring system and its suitability for Indian mines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal will continue to play a major role in economic development of India with particular reference to energy. The significant resources of coal in comparison with other fossil fuels have enabled this valuable mineral to remain at the centre stage of India's energy scene. This paper presents the detailed laboratory investigations in terms of characterization; size analysis and washability studies carried out on a typical high ash non-coking coal sample and suggest the concept of beneficiation for the improvement in the quality of run-of-mine (ROM) coal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]