Minister of State for Coal, Pratik PrakashBapu Patil informed Rajya Sabha that the Indian government was promoting R&D activities in coal & lignite sectors for improving efficiency and efficacy of coal.

Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) is responsible for R&D activities in coal & lignite sectors, the minister said.

The institute conducted resource assessment and characterization study of non-coking coal for sponge iron industry -A study to identify non-coking coal resources, which can produce "sponge iron grade coal".

The research study proved that most of the Indian non- coking coals including inferior grade are suitable for sponge iron making as such or after beneficiation.

The institute also conducted resource survey, characterization and blending studies of low volatile coal for their use in steel industry.

The survey was conducted to identify resource of low volatile coking coals in the lower seams of Jharia Coalfield, Bharat Coking Coal and Karo group of seams of East Bokaro Coalfield, Central Coalfields Limited for their use in steel industries.

The investigations carried out on these coal seams, coal from which is presently used for non-metallurgical purpose, showed that there is a high potential of these coals (after washing) to be used as blend constituent in coke making.