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Difficulty: Very hardMineral and Energy Resources of India

Consider the following statements regarding the geological distribution, chemical characteristics, and extraction of fossil fuel resources in India:

1. Tertiary coal deposits in North-East India are characterized by higher sulfur and moisture content but lower ash content compared to Gondwana coal.
2. Commercial production of Coalbed Methane (CBM) in India is predominantly localized in the Gondwana coalfields of the Damodar Valley basin.
3. The major lignite fields of Neyveli are embedded within Tertiary sedimentary rock strata of the Cuddalore formation.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. A
    1 and 2 only
  2. B
    2 and 3 only
  3. 1, 2 and 3Answer
  4. D
    1 and 3 only

Answer

Statements 1, 2, and 3 are all correct.
All three statements are factually accurate. Tertiary coal of North-East India is high in sulfur and moisture with low ash content, contrasting with Gondwana coal. Commercial Coalbed Methane (CBM) blocks are operational in the Gondwana coal fields of the Damodar Valley (such as Raniganj). The lignite deposits of Neyveli in Tamil Nadu are situated within Tertiary sedimentary strata of the Cuddalore formation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Statement 1 regarding Tertiary coal vs. Gondwana coal properties.
Gondwana coal (accounting for over 98% of India's reserves) has high ash content (25% to 45%) and low sulfur content (<0.5%). Conversely, Tertiary coal found in Assam, Meghalaya, and Nagaland contains low ash but high sulfur (2% to 7%) and high moisture. Thus, Statement 1 is correct.
Geological age and parent vegetation conditions dictate the differential volatile, sulfur, and mineral matter composition of the coal seams.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 regarding commercial Coalbed Methane (CBM) production basins.
Commercial exploitation of Coalbed Methane in India is predominantly situated in the deep Gondwana coal seams of the Damodar-Koel Valley, specifically within blocks like Raniganj South and Jharia. Thus, Statement 2 is correct.
Gondwana coal seams in the Damodar Valley possess adequate depth, rank, and gas saturation for commercial CBM recovery.
3
Evaluate Statement 3 regarding the geological age of Neyveli lignite deposits.
The extensive lignite reserves at Neyveli in Tamil Nadu belong to the Tertiary period (Eocene-Miocene epochs) and are embedded in the sandstone and clay beds of the Cuddalore Formation. Thus, Statement 3 is correct.
Lignite is a low-rank, younger brown coal formed during Tertiary coastal marine transgressions.

Key Concept

Geological classification, chemical composition, and commercial distribution of Indian coal, lignite, and unconventional gas resources.
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Topics

Mineral and Energy Resources of India

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