Environmental impact of coal beneficiation and its mitigation measures

India's coal demand is expected to increase with the setting up of more and more coal based power projects and to meet the demand from metallurgical and other industries. Indian coals being of drift origin contain as high as 40% ash in some cases. The coal is, therefore, required to be washed in coal washing plants so that the ash content is brought to an acceptable level, before being utilised by the industries.