In furtherance of reforms and aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Ministry of Coal has undertaken measures to simplify the process for disposal of coal washery rejects. These measures are aimed at reducing procedural requirements, enhancing ease of doing business, and facilitating timely and efficient utilisation of washery rejects while ensuring environmental responsibility.

At present, the coal washery rejects from the coal washeries are disposed as per the policy dated 27.05.2021 issued by Ministry of Coal for handling & disposal of washery rejects.  These rejects are disposed in order of priority, with 1^st priority given for use of washery rejects for extraction of energy. This is in line with Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, which requires extraction of energy from solid wastes of high calorific value of 1500 kcal/kg or more. The 2^nd priority is for replacement of construction material, reclamation of land, brick making or any other alternative gainful use. If both the above options do not fructify, the last option is to dump the washery rejects in mine voids or low- lying areas in an environment friendly manner.

The disposal of washery rejects in all the above three options required prior permission of the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) and that required some processing time at CCO.

In the spirit of ease of doing business, Government has now dispensed with the requirement of prior permission of CCO for the disposal of washery rejects under the first two options i.e. extraction of energy and replacement of construction material, reclamation of land, brick making or any other alternative gainful use. Prior permission of CCO for the last option continues considering the close involvement of CCO in the disposal of washery rejects under the last option. CCO continues to have the power to inspect concerned washery, check the records and draw the samples from the reject stock / reject in transit for verifying the GCV.  The amendment in the Policy may be seen at the weblink https://coal.gov.in/sites/default/files/2025-12/18-12-2025crp.pdf

Dispensation with the requirement of prior permission of CCO for the disposal of washery rejects has simplified the entire process and would expedite the disposal of washery rejects. Washery rejects can now be disposed at a faster, simpler and efficient manner.

The simplified framework is expected to facilitate faster, simpler, and more efficient disposal of coal washery rejects, encouraging their productive utilisation and reducing operational delays. By promoting optimal use of domestic coal resources and ensuring necessary regulatory oversight, the reform contributes to strengthening energy security and supports the journey towards a Viksit Bharat through a resilient and sustainable energy ecosystem.

****

Shuhaib T

(Release ID: 2206130) Visitor Counter : 454