Coal Demand Rise Expected This Summer: Govt Ready

Chandrapur, Mar 14 (PTI) Union Minister G Kishan Reddy on Saturday said rising heat in the coming days with the onset of summer could push coal demand higher but the government is ready to tackle the situation.

He said coal companies are achieving extra production and the government is constantly communicating with them as part of efforts to meet any rise in demand.

"All coal requirements we produce domestically. In the coming days, rising heat could push coal demand even higher, but we are ready to fulfil the demand. Demand for coal increases in summer. Similarly, in winter, increased use of heaters boosts electricity needs, particularly in hilly areas where power demand spikes sharply," he told PTI.

The Union Minister of Coal and Mines was here to inaugurate the sustainable and scientific closure and repurposing of Western Coalfields Limited's Murpar underground coal mine in Chimur in Chandrapur.

During the visit, he reviewed various activities and progress related to the closure of the mine, which began coal production in 2003 and was closed in 2022 after the area was declared part of the Eco-Sensitive Zone of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR).


The closure of a mine is not an end but a new beginning towards sustainable development, he said at the event.

The mine closure process should be implemented in a scientific and systematic manner so that environmental balance can be restored and natural resources conserved after mining operations cease.

"The interests of local communities should be given priority in mine closure plans. Through various initiatives of the Union government, efforts are being made to transform closed mines into socially, economically, and environmentally useful assets," he asserted.

Queried about WCL's breakthrough in finding eight significant strategic minerals in its six mines in Maharashtra, Reddy said the demand for these is very huge, especially amid the current geopolitical situation.

"Accordingly, the Union government has launched the National Critical Minerals Mission, with a programme offering incentives worth around Rs 32,000 crore. The mission's objectives include exploring critical minerals, boosting mining activities, and advancing the development of these resources from abroad as well," he said.