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Global tenders for reviving coal mines

Special Correspondent

CIL identifies 18 abandoned mines

KOLKATA: Coal India Ltd (CIL) is floating global tenders for inviting joint venture proposals for reviving or salvaging 18 abandoned mines. These are likely to hold reserves of 800 million tonnes, CIL Chairman Partha S. Bhattacharyya said.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, he said, “We will float these tenders today (Tuesday)”. He declined to divulge as to how many of them would be containing coking coal reserves. Enquiries revealed that the 18 mines were located in the Jharia-Ranigunj coalfields.

It may be mentioned that the abandoned mines issue was opened up in March this year when ArcelorMittal expressed interest in partnering CIL in reviving these mines which were abandoned (some since nationalisation) either on grounds of safety or economic viability. Since showing its interest, ArcelorMittal executives have also held meetings with CIL chairman in Kolkata to discuss the issue. However, CIL chose to go for the EoI (expression of interest) route rather than the nomination route. “We would prefer companies who have the requisite technology,” Mr. Bhattacharyya said.

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