With a view to developing Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) potential in our country for energy production, Govt. has notified UCG as one of the end uses under captive coal mining policy. Five lignite blocks and two coal blocks of estimated reserves 950.5 Million Tonnes had been identified for offer to various companies for taking up UCG projects and offer of these blocks is under process as per the amended provisions of Mines and Minerals (Development &Regulation) Act.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Coal Shri Pratik Prakashbapu Patil in a written reply in the Lok Sabha yesterday.