To reduce SAIL's dependency on imported coal, Indian steel minister Mr Beni Prasad Verma asked the PSU to adopt a three pronged strategy
1. Increasing consumption of indigenous fuel
2. Developing blocks allotted to it
3. Fast tracking steps to acquire mines abroad.

Mr Verma, after chairing a review meeting to look into coal requirements of the sector, told PTI that "I have asked SAIL to increase consumption of domestic coking coal and take it to about 60% of the total consumption and also develop two blocks Sitanala and Tasra alloted to it in Jharkhand.”

Mr Verma said he had also asked the steel major to step up efforts to secure coking coal blocks overseas to ensure the raw material security in the wake of higher demands for its expansion and modernisation plans.

Besides, he added that the PSU has been asked to introduce technologies which ensure consumption of low grade coal.

Sitanala coal block is said to be housing 108 million tonnes of coal while Tasra, as per estimates, has about 285 million tonne of reserves of the dry fuel.

Out of the total requirement of about 14 million tonnes of coking coal in a year, the Steel Authority of India imports about 10 million tonnes and sources about 3 million tonnes from Coal India subsidiary, Bharat Coking Coal, as per information. The remaining requirement is met through other sources.

Source - PTI

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