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Parliamentary Panel Urges Modernisation of Coal Washeries to Reduce Import Dependence on Coking Coal

EconomyInfrastructurePolityHIGH
Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
29 Jul 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:3.59 MT washed coking coal output18.35 MT per annum capacity19.6% utilisation
Bodies:Standing Committee on Coal, Mines and SteelCoal India Limited
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.The parliamentary committee noted that high-ash-content coal remains a major challenge for domestic steel production, requiring washing and blending with imported coal.

2.Coal India's coking coal washeries have outlived their designed life and operate with legacy technology, leading to capacity utilisation of only ~19.6% (3.59 MT output vs 18.35 MT capacity).

3.The committee recommended pithead washeries, aligning with mine expansion plans, and first-mile connectivity to improve logistics, reduce emissions, and enhance overall economics.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

India's heavy reliance on imported coking coal stems from the poor quality of domestic coal (high ash content). The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Coal, Mines and Steel has flagged that Coal India's washeries are outdated and underutilised, producing only 3.59 MT of washed coking coal against a capacity of 18.35 MT per annum. The panel's call for pithead beneficiation and modernisation of washeries is crucial for import substitution and improving energy efficiency.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

CommitteeStanding Committee on Coal, Mines and Steel
Coal India's Washed Coking Coal Output3.59 MT (per annum)
Coal India's Washery Capacity18.35 MT per annum
Key RecommendationPithead beneficiation and modernisation of ageing washeries

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Committee: Standing Committee on Coal, Mines and Steel
  • ›Coal India's Washed Coking Coal Output: 3.59 MT (per annum)
  • ›Target this Data: Coal India's washed coking coal output: 3.59 MT; Capacity: 18.35 MT per annum (utilisation ~19.6%)
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Standing Committee on Coal, Mines and Steel (Parliamentary committee under Ministry of Coal)
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Not applicable – but remember the committee's recommendation for 'pithead beneficiation' as a policy concept

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which of the following is a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Coal?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the latest report of the Standing Committee on Coal, Mines and Steel:

1. The committee noted that high-ash-content coal is a major challenge for domestic steel production.

2. Coal India's coking coal washeries are operating at over 50% of their installed capacity.

3. The committee recommended setting up washeries at or near pitheads to improve efficiency.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the Standing Committee report, what is the installed capacity of Coal India's coking coal washeries (in million tonnes per annum)?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary advantage of pithead beneficiation of coal, as highlighted by the committee?

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