Coal India's scheme to lift coal from mines receives poor response

KOLKATA: Coal India's scheme allowing power utilities to lift coal directly from its mines has received a poor response from the public sector, with generators complaining that the unprocessed fuel is unfit for plants.

"The coal being offered is on 'as is where is' basis, which means it is uncrushed and contains mud and stones that can damage equipment," a senior NTPC official told ET.

NTPC Chairman Arup Roy Choudhury said: "We will lift the coal if it is made available in crushed form at the mines." Last week, the state-run miner allowed power utilities drawing coal under its fuel supply pacts during 2012-13 to lift fuel directly from its colliery pit heads. According to the official, coal is mostly available as large chunks at the mines, which not only makes transportation difficult, but could also damage equipment.