Coal Ministry turns down Reliance Power plea to reconsider lifting mining cap

The Coal Ministry has informed Reliance Power that it cannot consider the company’s request to re-consider a Ministry decision to restrict mining from Moher and Moher Amlohri Extn to 16 million tonne per annum.

The Ministry stated that since the matter was sub judice, it would not be able to consider Reliance Power’s requests.

In June 2015, the Ministry had asked the company to restrict mining to 16 million tonne per annum as against 20 million tonne per annum and submit a new mining plan.

Sasan project This was after the Ministry had de-allocated the Chhatrasal block, which had beengiven to the Sasan ultra mega power project, as coal from the block was being diverted to its Chitrangi power plant as per a directive from the previous UPA government.

Subsequently, Reliance Power, the owner of Sasan UMPP, had written to the Ministry stating that it had earlier assessedit would require 16 million tonne per annum but subsequently, after commencement of mining, it felt it needed 19 million tonne per annum.

Reliance Power also moved the Delhi High Court on the issue in July 2015.