Coal production in the country has registered a record increase of 9 per cent during the first six months of this fiscal. Addressing a news conference in New Delhi on Friday, Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiwal said, coal off-take has also recorded significant growth during this period whereas coal supply to power sector during April to October this year has increased by 12 per cent. Mr. Jaiswal said, with these efforts, Coal India Limitted would be able to achieve the highest ever production target during this year.

He informed that the Centre has identified 54 coal blocks with total reserves of about 18.22 billion tonnes for bidding. The Minister said, other than the government companies, it is proposed to allocate new coal blocks only after detailed exploration. He said, the government has taken several other steps to ensure increased availability of coal in the country.

Replying to a query on the selective de-allocation of coal blocks, the Minister said, the issue of deducting bank guarantee of some of the companies which did not start mining operations, has been sent to the Law Ministry for advice.