Recently the Ministry of Coal has set up Mission Coking Coal (MCC).
The Mission Coking Coal (MCC) is based on the recommendations of the Inter-Ministerial Committee constituted to formulate a strategy for increasing the production of coking coal in India.
Coking refers to the ability of coal to be converted into coke. It is a pure form of carbon. It can be used in ordinary oxygen furnaces.
Coking coal is used in the manufacture of steel by blast furnace.
Domestic coking coal is a coal producing high ash content (between 18% – 49%). It is not suitable for direct use in Blast furnace. Hence, it is mixed with imported coking coal (9% ash).
Objective of Mission Coking Coal (MCC) –
- Preparation of action plan for increasing the production and utilization of domestic coking coal.
- Adoption of new technologies.
- Allocation of coking coal blocks for private sector development.
- Setting up of new coking coal washeries, increasing R&D activities and improving quality standards.
- It helps to boost production and strengthen domestic capabilities. This will make it possible to reduce imports and strengthen the concept of self-reliant India.
- About 50 metric tonnes of coking coal is imported by the country on an annual basis. The value of imported coking coal in the financial year 2020-21 was Rs 45,435 crore.
Source- The Hindu
