India’s energy sector heavily relies on coal, which serves as a crucial resource for power generation and industrial processes. According to data from the Ministry of Coal, the country’s total geological coal resources were estimated at 378.21 billion tonnes as of April 1, 2023. This represents a significant increase compared to the previous year, highlighting the ongoing exploration and discovery of coal reserves.
The table below provides details about the top 10 states with the largest coal reserves, their total resources, and their contributions to India’s coal reserves:
| Rank | State | Measured (Billion Tonnes) | Indicated (Billion Tonnes) | Inferred (Billion Tonnes) | Total Resources (Billion Tonnes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Odisha | 52.05 | 37.54 | 4.94 | 94.52 |
| 2 | Jharkhand | 55.75 | 26.99 | 5.09 | 87.84 |
| 3 | Chhattisgarh | 37.24 | 42.29 | 1.24 | 80.77 |
| 4 | West Bengal | 17.46 | 12.70 | 3.78 | 33.93 |
| 5 | Madhya Pradesh | 15.28 | 12.46 | 4.48 | 32.22 |
| 6 | Telangana | 10.05 | 7.66 | 5.14 | 22.85 |
| 7 | Maharashtra | 7.44 | 5.69 | 2.99 | 16.12 |
| 8 | Bihar | 1.56 | 1.87 | 0.44 | 3.87 |
| 9 | Uttar Pradesh | 1.06 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.06 |
| 10 | Assam | 0.36 | 0.47 | 0.13 | 0.96 |
Key Insights:
- Odisha tops the list with 94.52 billion tonnes, accounting for the largest share of coal reserves. The state is home to significant coalfields like Talcher and Ib Valley.
- Jharkhand follows closely with 87.84 billion tonnes, with reserves concentrated in areas like Jharia, Bokaro, and North Karanpura.
- Chhattisgarh ranks third with 80.77 billion tonnes, with prominent coalfields including Korba, Hasdeo-Arand, and Mand-Raigarh.
- West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh hold substantial reserves, with 33.93 billion tonnes and 32.22 billion tonnes, respectively.
Importance of Coal in India’s Energy Sector
Coal remains a cornerstone of India’s energy infrastructure, contributing over 70% to electricity generation. The distribution of coal reserves across these states underscores their strategic importance in meeting the country’s growing energy demands. Continued exploration and sustainable mining practices are essential for leveraging these resources effectively.
Data Source: Ministry of Coal
