Challenges may dampen glee over Deocha Pachami

Challenges may dampen glee over Deocha Pachami

News:

1. The West Bengal government has got the permission to mine Deocha Pachami coal block in Birbhum district.

Important Facts:

2. Deocha Pachami is among the biggest coal mines in the world with a reserve of more than 2 billion tonnes.
3. The project is expected to generate one lakh jobs and bring significant investments.
4. Challenges:

• coals are available at depth of approx. 200-300 meters.
• Lack of technology to mine at such depth.
• limited use of coal by power plant due to dipping prices of renewable energy.
•  large size of land is required to develop the mine.
• Initial cost is huge.

5. steps to be taken

• Use of international expertise to develop new mining method.
• The mine-capacity has to be large to ensure viability.
• There is need to think of alternative use for this coal. Technological enhancement for conversion of coal-to-oil or chemicals.
• A special purpose vehicle for this project would be needed.