19 coal mines allocated for sustainable fly ash disposal

10 Jul 2024 CW Team

A Central Level Working Group (CLWG), chaired by the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, was established in 2023 to oversee this process. Thermal power plants interested in utilising mine voids for fly ash disposal submit their applications to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), which are then reviewed in CLWG meetings. This systematic allocation addresses environmental concerns associated with fly ash while promoting sustainable practices within the coal mining sector.

To date, approximately 20.39 lakh tonnes of fly ash have been successfully repurposed at the Gorbicoal mine pit-1, demonstrating the practical benefits of this initiative. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in its notification dated 3 November 2009, defines "fly ash" to include various forms such as Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) ash, dry fly ash, bottom ash, pond ash, and mound ash. Rich in silicon dioxide (SiO2), calcium oxide (CaO), and aluminium oxide (Al2O3), fly ash is increasingly valued for its potential in construction and other industrial applications.

The Ministry of Coal, in collaboration with the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI), is also developing a centralised portal to streamline the application process for the allocation of mine voids. This portal is expected to enhance transparency and efficiency in managing fly ash backfilling activities.

Furthering its commitment to sustainable mining practices, the Ministry is conducting comprehensive feasibility studies to determine the optimal methods for mixing fly ash with overburden in operational mines. These studies, conducted in collaboration with the Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR), include significant research at the Nigahi operational mine to establish the best percentage of fly ash to be mixed with overburden. Results from these studies are anticipated soon.

Through these initiatives, the Ministry of Coal is ensuring the safe handling and management of fly ash, mitigating potential environmental risks associated with heavy metal leaching and fine particle emissions. By fostering collaboration with power plants, industries, and regulatory bodies, the Ministry aims to achieve optimal fly ash management, paving the way for a cleaner environment and a more sustainable approach to energy generation in India. (Source: ET)

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

In a strategic move towards environmental sustainability, the Ministry of Coal (MoC) has allocated 19 coal mine voids to 13 thermal power plants (TPPs) for the disposal of fly ash. This initiative aims to mitigate the environmental impact of coal combustion and promote the reuse of fly ash in various applications. A Central Level Working Group (CLWG), chaired by the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, was established in 2023 to oversee this process. Thermal power plants interested in utilising mine voids for fly ash disposal submit their applications to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), which are then reviewed in CLWG meetings. This systematic allocation addresses environmental concerns associated with fly ash while promoting sustainable practices within the coal mining sector. To date, approximately 20.39 lakh tonnes of fly ash have been successfully repurposed at the Gorbicoal mine pit-1, demonstrating the practical benefits of this initiative. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in its notification dated 3 November 2009, defines fly ash to include various forms such as Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) ash, dry fly ash, bottom ash, pond ash, and mound ash. Rich in silicon dioxide (SiO2), calcium oxide (CaO), and aluminium oxide (Al2O3), fly ash is increasingly valued for its potential in construction and other industrial applications. The Ministry of Coal, in collaboration with the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI), is also developing a centralised portal to streamline the application process for the allocation of mine voids. This portal is expected to enhance transparency and efficiency in managing fly ash backfilling activities. Furthering its commitment to sustainable mining practices, the Ministry is conducting comprehensive feasibility studies to determine the optimal methods for mixing fly ash with overburden in operational mines. These studies, conducted in collaboration with the Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR), include significant research at the Nigahi operational mine to establish the best percentage of fly ash to be mixed with overburden. Results from these studies are anticipated soon. Through these initiatives, the Ministry of Coal is ensuring the safe handling and management of fly ash, mitigating potential environmental risks associated with heavy metal leaching and fine particle emissions. By fostering collaboration with power plants, industries, and regulatory bodies, the Ministry aims to achieve optimal fly ash management, paving the way for a cleaner environment and a more sustainable approach to energy generation in India. (Source: ET)

Resources

26 Jun 2026

G R Infraprojects Founder Vinod Agarwal Passes Away

Vinod Kumar Agarwal, Founder and Promoter of G R Infraprojects, has passed away. He had been associated with the company since its inception in 1995. His vision, determination and entrepreneurial acumen laid the foundation for the company and helped shape its growth into a leading name in India’s infrastructure sector.Agarwal served as Managing Director from 2008 to 2021 and later as Chairman and Whole-time Director from 2021 to 2025. He stepped down from the office of Director on 10 November 2025. During his leadership tenure, the company moved through significant phases of growth, operatio..

Infrastructure Energy

25 Jun 2026

Centre Prioritising Energy Security With Coal Gasification

Union minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy said the Centre is prioritising energy security through a strategic shift to coal gasification and has announced incentives totalling Rs 460 billion (bn) to support the effort. He said more than 35 companies will start coal gasification activities in India within two months and that the government is encouraging firms that bring technology to close the domestic technology gap. The minister described the initiative as aimed at reducing import dependence and developing indigenous capacity. India has the fifth-largest coal reserve in the world, and..

Infrastructure Urban

25 Jun 2026

BHEL and Coal India Invest Rs 250 bn in Odisha Gasification

Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) and Coal India (CIL) are jointly investing Rs 250 billion in a coal gasification project in Odisha, with the Prime Minister laying the foundation stone in Jharsuguda. Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy described the initiative as a transformative shift in coal utilisation that will open industrial avenues for the state. The project moves coal beyond conventional power generation to industrial feedstocks. Coal gasification will convert coal into synthesis gas, a versatile feedstock for chemicals, fertilisers and synthetic fuels, and the technology is ex..