Abundant Reserves: India has substantial reserves of coal, ranking among the top coal-producing countries worldwide. These abundant reserves make coal a vital resource for energy generation and economic development in the country.
Primary Source of Power and Energy: Coal is India's primary source of energy, contributing to a significant portion of the country's electricity generation. The vast majority of thermal power plants in India rely on coal as fuel, making it critical to meeting the energy demands of its growing population and economy.
Employment and Livelihoods: The coal industry provides employment opportunities for millions of people in India, directly and indirectly. From mining and processing to transportation and power generation, various sectors tied to coal contribute to job creation and support livelihoods for many individuals.
Industrial and Commercial Value: Coal serves as a key raw material for various industries, including power generation, steel production, and cement manufacturing. As a result, it holds significant commercial value both domestically and internationally.
Economic Prosperity: Coal mining and production have played a central role in India's economic growth and industrial development. The revenues generated from coal contribute to government revenue and funding for essential infrastructure projects, social services, and economic progress.
Long-Term Resource: While global efforts are underway to transition towards renewable energy sources, coal will continue to be an essential energy resource for India in the near future due to its affordability and abundance. Coal reserves offer potential energy security and self-sufficiency for the country.
Thus, it's because of its importance as a crucial energy source, substantial reserves, employment generation, economic contributions, and industrial value that coal has earned the title of the "black diamond of India."