MCl CMD AN Sahay, along with Advisor (Projects), Ministry of Coal DN Prasad, inaugurated an environment-friendly and highly efficient coal washery technology through an Indo-Japan Coal Preparation Project at the Monnet Ispat and Energy limited (MIEl) here.

The project has been initiated in collaboration with NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation) and JCOAl (Japan Coal Energy Centre).

The coal preparation technology would reduce ash content by 34 per cent which in turn reduces the content of disposable ash in the atmosphere. The technology is also fuel-efficient which again reduces air pollution. Besides, the most beneficial point is that it is a closed circuit process, leaving no room for any wastage or pollution.

Sahay stated that as per the MoEF norms, the raw coal can be transported only up to 500 km which was initially 1,000 km. This reduces the uncombustible residue which used to require a great deal of logistics and environment management, he said and expressed his satisfaction that Monnet initiated the environmental-friendly process which would go a long way to manage the environmental concerns.

Prasad said the Government is very much alive to the environmental issues and is ready to promote new ideas and technology. Among others, Coal Washery CEO Hl Sapru, Chief Operating Officer, MPCl B Mohapatra spoke.

The Japanese team representing NEDO, JCOAl and Nagata Engineering also presented papers during a seminar and apprised all the prospective stakeholders about the design, deployment and deliverables of the new technology.