Gujarat State Electricity Corp invites global firms to develop, operate coal mine in Chhattisgarh

Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Ltd (GSECL) has invited bids from global firms for developing and operating its coal mine in Chhattisgarh.

The move comes at a time when the Centre is eyeing coal output of 1.5 billion tonnes and providing 24x7 electricity to all.

"GSECL, with the objective of ensuring reliable supply of coal as per specified quantity and quality to its pre-defined end use plants...has organised an international competitive bidding to select a Mine Developer and Operator to develop, operate and mine coal from the Gare Palma Sector-I Coal Block (Phase I)," the company said on its website.

Gare Palma Sector-I coal mine located in Mand Raigarh Coalfield in Raigarh district, Chhattisgarh was allotted to GSECL by the Coal Ministry last year.

"GSECL intends to develop and operate the Gare Palma Sector-I Coal Block (Phase I)...in the most cost effective manner by open cast method of mining, while ensuring reliability in coal production (both in quantitative and qualitative terms) and ensuring full compliance with prevailing Acts, Rules, Regulations," it said.

The Centre is targeting to augment coal production to 1.5 billion tonnes by 2020 and has also committed to provide round the clock electricity to all by 2019.