Estimated coal reserves up 3.25% at 285.86 bn tonne

India's coal reserves have been assessed at 285.86 bn tonne as of April 1, 2011 - about 3.25 per cent higher than the previous year's assessment of 276.8 bn tonne. Of this, the proven reserves are estimated at around 114 bn tonne or 40 per cent of the total reserves, according to the Geological Survey of India. The latest proven reserves represent a rise of  3.6 per cent over last year's 110 bn tonne. It is learnt that at the current level of production of about 550 mn tonne, the coal reserves will last for more than 100 years.Contact: Geological Survey of India.Tel: 033-2286 1676.  Fax: 033-2286 1656. E-mail: dg-gsi@gsi.gov.in Website: www.portal.gsi.gov.in