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NTPC mulls foray into coal mining, seeks strategic partners
New Delhi, Oct 13: In a bid to diversify its portfolio, state-owned National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) proposes to foray into new areas, including coal mining and coal washeries, through the joint venture route where it would hold minority stake.
New Delhi, Oct 13: In a bid to diversify its portfolio, state-owned National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) proposes to foray into new areas, including coal mining and coal washeries, through the joint venture route where it would hold minority stake.
"We have requested the coal ministry for grant of captive
coal mining blocks in Talcher region," chairman and managing
director C P Jain told a news agency on the sidelines of an
International Conference on Thermal Power Generation.
Jain said the thermal power major would hold 26 per cent stake in the new venture, offering the rest to a strategic partner who would bring in the requisite experience. Two to three blocks have been identified by the corporation in Talcher belt in Orissa, keeping in mind the requirements of the company in the region where it already operates two power stations -- Kaniha and Talcher.
NTPC would soon depute a team of officials to South Africa to examine the coal mining scenario, considered similar to Indian conditions, Jain added.
"The officials would examine how coal producers have managed to produce coal at half the price offered by Indian operators," he said. Besides offering a secure source of fuel, captive mining would also ensure cost competitiveness.
NTPC was earlier engaged in talks with Coal India for a joint venture to mine captive blocks.
Bureau Report
Jain said the thermal power major would hold 26 per cent stake in the new venture, offering the rest to a strategic partner who would bring in the requisite experience. Two to three blocks have been identified by the corporation in Talcher belt in Orissa, keeping in mind the requirements of the company in the region where it already operates two power stations -- Kaniha and Talcher.
NTPC would soon depute a team of officials to South Africa to examine the coal mining scenario, considered similar to Indian conditions, Jain added.
"The officials would examine how coal producers have managed to produce coal at half the price offered by Indian operators," he said. Besides offering a secure source of fuel, captive mining would also ensure cost competitiveness.
NTPC was earlier engaged in talks with Coal India for a joint venture to mine captive blocks.
Bureau Report