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Energy resources: Proper exploitation of Thar coal
The systematic exploitation and development of the coalfield can provide more than 40,000MW of electrical power, which can meet most of the country’s energy requirements.
THAR coalfield is the biggest in Pakistan and is recognized as one of the largest in the world. The field is located in the south-eastern corner of Sindh, in the desert of Thar, and hides more than 175 billion tons of coal at comparatively shallow depths.
The coalfield is spread over an area of 9,000 square kilometres. Thirty-eight holes dug by the Geological Survey of Pakistan and the United States Geological Survey, under a joint exploration and research programme, have proved the existence of coal in the area. The systematic exploitation and development of the coalfield can provide more than 40,000MW of electrical power, which can meet most of the country’s energy requirements.
The following scientific steps are necessary to successfully exploit the huge reserves of coal in the area.
Pilot plant studies
Pilot plant studies are carried out to understand problems in the exploitation of natural resources, once the physical and chemical properties of deposits are determined. Potential problems can be identified by conducting various experiments on small- or pilot-scale plants.
It has been found that Thar coal disintegrates, after it is exposed to air. This is largely due to the presence of unstable minerals. The behaviour of such minerals after their exposure to atmosphere, along with their chemical and physical properties, may be recorded during pilot-plant studies. Some methods can also be designed to remove such minerals from the organic matter of coal, to enable better exploitation.
Some minerals can be used to generate by-products. Therefore, systematic methods should be developed on a pilot-plant scale to prepare coal for use in the power-generating plants. These studies will save us from any unforeseen problems and will help in designing a coal processing plant on an industrial scale.
Methods of mining
It is necessary to work out the cost estimates for different methods of mining, so that viable exploitation of the reserves can take place. The underground mining and open cast mining methods are generally used for the exploitation of subsoil natural resources. Therefore, a systematic study for commercial exploitation needs to be carried out.
The coal seams in the field are located at shallow depths but the sand and gritstone on top of the reserves may be removed, employing the open cast mining technology. This method is used in several coalfields of the world and provides full access to the entire coal-bed.
Both the underground and open cast mining methodologies have their own advantages and disadvantages. The underground mining method of coal exploitation is common in Pakistan but the techniques are old, which do not use modern equipment.
The process of underground gasification of coals is also used sometimes, in an effort to derive maximum benefits from deposits. It is essential, however, that a systematic initiative is launched to identify the most appropriate mining methodology, after careful consideration of all important factors involved.
Selection of sites
The selection of locations for industrial-scale coal processing plants is important for the commercial exploitation of any coalfield. The coal processing plants should be located either in the coalfield or the nearest village/town where most of the facilities such as water, electricity and roads are available. Plants for the production of by-products like sulphur, fireclay, and iron should be located in the same area.
Location of power plants
Location of the power-generating units must be carefully selected as these require highly skilled manpower as well as efficient power distribution networks. Well-known experts should be invited to suggest possible sites, so that mistakes are avoided.
It is, therefore, proposed that every step for the commercial exploitation of the coalfield is defined well in advance. This is necessary if the coalfield is to bridge the energy gap of the country and to help change the lifestyle of Tharis.
Well-formulated steps in this regard will not only provide jobs to the local populace, but will also open new avenues in the development of other mineral resources in the region, such as pink granite, exposed in Nagar Parkar, and the China clay deposits, found in the vicinity of Nagar Parkar Town.
Commercial exploitation
Thar is not ready for power generation yet. First, it has to be converted into a workable energy resource before power generation may be undertaken. The prime ministers of Pakistan and China are expected to sign agreements over the issue.
However, a lot needs to be done for that to happen. Several organizations are involved in the project. The Pakistan Science Foundation is coordinating the project, while the ministry of petroleum and natural resources is responsible for mining and the ministry for water and power for power generation.
The Sindh Coal Authority and the provincial ministry for mines and mineral development are involved in the development of the mines, besides the necessary supporting infrastructure.
Dr Malik is the chairman and Dr Baqri a member of the Pakistan Science Foundation
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