UPSC Prelims 2013 Q61: Geography – Economic & Mineral Geography
Which of the following is/are the characteristic/characteristics of Indian coal?
1. High ash content
2. Low sulphur content
3. Low ash fusion temperature
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation
Characteristics of Indian coal
| Characteristic | True of Indian coal? | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. High ash content | Yes | Often 25 to 45 percent ash, so heat value is low |
| 2. Low sulphur content | Yes | Usually under 1 percent; a plus for the environment |
| 3. Low ash fusion temperature | No | The ash fusion temperature is high |
More on Indian coal:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | Mostly Gondwana coal, about 250 million years old |
| Type | Mainly bituminous, non-coking |
| Fields | Damodar valley (Jharia, Raniganj), Mahanadi, Godavari and Son valleys |
| Tertiary coal | Assam and Meghalaya; high sulphur |
| Lignite | Neyveli, Tamil Nadu |
Because of the high ash, India imports coking coal for steel.
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Indian coal has high ash and low sulphur content.
- (b) Incorrect. High ash content is also a feature.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false; the ash fusion temperature is high.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false.
Key point
Indian (Gondwana) coal: high ash, low sulphur, high ash fusion temperature, low calorific value; mostly non-coking bituminous.
Remember
Indian coal = high ash, low sulphur.
Common mistakes
- Thinking Indian coal has high sulphur; only the north-eastern Tertiary coal does.
- Not knowing the term ash fusion temperature.
- Forgetting that high ash means lower heat per tonne.
Exam tip
Indian coal: high ash, low sulphur. Two words to memorise.
Sources
- Ministry of Coal — Coal grades and quality in India
- NCERT Class XII — India: People and Economy (Mineral and Energy Resources)