Problems of Coal Industry

The main problems of the coal mining industry are as under:

1. Unequal Distribution of Coal The distribution of coal in India is confined mainly to Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal. The transportation cost is consequently heavy which makes this vital source of energy expensive.

2. Poor Quality of Coal Most of the mines of India are producing non-coking coal which can not be utilised for metallurgical industries.

3. Leas Efficient Transport System Most of the coal in India is transported by trains. Adequate number of wagons are not available and railway system is not efficient enough to deliver the coal at distant places in a short time.

4. Obsolete Method of Mining The mining technology is outdated and the per worker production is low. The per tonne cost of production is high.

5. Shortage of Power Supply The shortage of power supply is a big barrier in the mining of coal.

6. Fires and Water-logging There occur heavy losses of coal because of fires and waterlogging-in the mines and at the pit-heads.