NTPC enters mining, cement making

The country's largest thermal power generator has forayed into mining sector and will exploit captive coal block potentials in the country. As of now, the company has total six coal blocks allotted to it including Pakri-Barwadih, Chatti-Bariatu, Kerandari, Dulanga, Talaipalli and Chatti-Bariatu (South), Banai, Bhalumunda, and Mandakini B. These mines have total geological reserves of around 7.15 billion tons. Apart from this, it is also entering cement manufacturing with the twin objectives of utilizing fly-ash from its power stations and creates captive demand for electricity. In this connection, the company is inviting expression of interest from cement makers offering partnership for building the proposed cement plants in the vicinity of its power stations with annual capacity of over 1 million ton and will offer partnership on build, own, operate (BOO) model to its joint venture partners.