ECL Launches India's First Underground Coal Gasification Project

Under the Ministry of Coal's strategic direction, Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) has initiated India's first pilot project for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) at the Kasta coal block in Jamtara District, Jharkhand. This innovative project aims to transform coal into valuable gases like methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide, which can be used to produce synthetic natural gas, fuels, fertilizers, explosives, and other industrial products. The Ministry is focused on promoting coal gasification to convert coal into high-value chemical products.

UCG technology offers the advantage of accessing coal resources that are not economically viable through traditional mining methods. This initiative marks a significant milestone for Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries, positioning India as a leader in advanced coal gasification technologies.