NCERT · Class 10 · Social Science · Geography: Minerals and Energy ResourcesDiscuss the distribution and importance of coal as a primary fossil fuel in India. Also, mention the different grades/types of coal found.

Importance of Coal in India

\nCoal is the most abundantly available fossil fuel in India. It provides a substantial part of the nation's energy needs. It is vital for power generation (thermal power), supplying energy to industries such as iron and steel, and serving as a raw material for chemical industries.

Types and Grades of Coal

\nCoal is classified into four major types based on the degree of compression and depth of burial:

1. Anthracite: The highest quality hard coal with more than 80-90% carbon content. It burns smokelessly and leaves very little ash.
2. Bituminous: The most popular coal used for commercial purposes. It has a carbon content of 60-80% and is extensively used in metallurgy, especially for smelting iron in blast furnaces.
3. Lignite: A low-grade brown coal, which is soft with high moisture content. It is primarily used for electricity generation in regions like Neyveli in Tamil Nadu.
4. Peat: Decaying plants in swamps produce peat. It has a low carbon content and low heating capacity, representing the initial stage of coal formation.

Distribution of Coal in India

\nCoal occurs in rock series of two main geological ages in India:

• Gondwana Coal: Accounts for over 90% of India's coal reserves. Major river valleys containing Gondwana coal include the Damodar valley (West Bengal-Jharkhand), Son, Mahanadi, Godavari, and Wardha valleys. Important coalfields are Raniganj, Jharia, Bokaro, and Talcher.
• Tertiary Coal: Found in the northeastern states including Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland, accounting for a minor percentage of total production.