Pvt firms get PPP ticket to coal mining
“In the medium to long terms, we must reduce our dependence on imported coal. One of the ways forward is to devise a PPP policy framework, with CIL as one of the partners, in order to increase the production of coal for supply to power producers and other consumers. These matters are under active consideration and the minister of coal will announce the government’s policies in this behalf in due course,” finance minister P Chidambaram said in his Budget speech in Parliament.
India imported over 100 million tonnes between April and December in the current fiscal. The imports are estimated to rise to 185 million tonnes in 2016-17, if the coal requirements of the existing and future power plants are taken into account. Industry observers welcomed the move to allow PPP in coal production, saying this will also help in bringing best practices into the sector.
“This is a good move as this will not only increase production of coal in the country but also bring in best mining practices being followed in the country. We need to partner with big international players as they will also add value to the sector by bringing best practice being followed globally,” said Partha S Bhattacharyya, former chairman
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