| Abstract: | The total inferred reserves of lignite in India are about 3680 million t, out of which the Neyveli Lignite Field in Tamil Nadu State, South India, accounts for 3300 million t. This field is mined by the mechanized opencast method, using bucket wheel excavator-belt conveyor-spreader continuous mining technology. The lignite is mainly used for power generation. The present level of lignite production is 6.5 million t/yr. The mining of lignite at Neyveli is faced with major problems like tackling hard, abrasive Cuddalore sandstone overburden, high pressure aquifers below lignite seams and high monsoonic storm water. These problems have been successfully overcome in stages, and the mine has achieved very high capacity utilization during 1984–1985. Up to March 1985, about 83.8 million t of lignite have been mined from this field. Taking into consideration the future demand for power in the energy-starved southern region, Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) plans to develop a second mine producing 10.5 million t/yr of lignite, and is also considering opening new mines to increase lignite output to 32 million t/yr by the year 2000. Measures are also being taken to maintain the environmental quality in the mining and industrial complex. |
