Coal resources of India
India, a land rich in natural resources, unfolds a fascinating tale of coal deposits nestled within its diverse geological landscapes. Let’s delve into the stratigraphic wonders that house these invaluable treasures.
Stratigraphic Marvels: Unraveling the Depths
Permian Sediments (290 Ma): A Gondwana Basin Chronicle
In the intricate tapestry of India’s geological history, Permian sediments, dating back to approximately 290 million years ago, grace the Intracratonic Gondwana basins. Here, the coal manifests in distinctive stratigraphic horizons.
Gondwana Coal in Focus
Occurrence:
The eastern and central parts of the Peninsular India stand as witnesses to the Gondwana coal saga.
Rank:
From bituminous to sub-bituminous, the Gondwana coal showcases a spectrum of richness.
Character:
Moderate to high in ash content and low in sulfur, the coal presents a unique chemical profile.
Coal Bearing Strata:
Within the realms of Late Permian, formations like the Raniganj/Kamthi Formation, Barakar Formation, and Arharbari Formation house these precious coal deposits.
Early Tertiary (60 Ma): Coastal Chronicles
Fast forward to 60 million years ago, the Early Tertiary period unveils coal occurrences in near-shore peri-cratonic basins and shelves.
Tertiary Coal Landscape
Occurrence:
This chapter unfolds in the northeastern part of India, adding a new dimension to the coal narrative.
Rank:
With a metamorphic to ortholignitous ranking, the Tertiary coal differs in nature from its Permian counterpart.
Character:
Noteworthy for its high sulfur content, this coal spectrum ranges from strongly coking to non-coking varieties.
Coal Bearing Strata:
Oligocene sediments, including the Tilak Parbat Formation in Upper Assam, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, along with Eocene sediments such as Tura Sandstone, Lakadong Sandstone, and Sylhet Limestone, paint the Tertiary coal canvas.
Lignite: Unveiling the Moisture-Laden Marvels
In the western and southern realms of India, lignite takes center stage, distinguishing itself with unique characteristics.
Lignite Landscape
Occurrence:
Western and Southern India host these moisture-laden deposits.
Character:
High in both moisture and volatile matter, lignite reveals a distinctive composition.
Key Deposit:
The Neyveli lignite field in Tamil Nadu, dating back to the Miocene era, stands tall as South India’s largest lignite deposit.
Conclusion: Navigating India’s Coal Heritage
India’s coal wealth, a geological masterpiece, is inscribed in the layers of time, from the Permian sediments of the Gondwana basins to the Tertiary coastal coal landscapes and the moisture-rich realms of lignite. This treasure trove continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s energy landscape.