RPower aims to mine coal before generation at Sasan

Reliance Power is pushing to get coal from its Moher and Moher Amlohri blocks by December 2012, ahead of the commissioning of its ultra mega power project in Sasan, Madhya Pradesh.

The first of the 6X 660 MW Sasan power plant is expected to be commissioned in January 2013 and the subsequent units in phases thereafter.

The coal block reserves are estimated at 600 million tonnes and the coal mined would be about 20 mt a year.

In addition to the two captive blocks allocated to the Sasan project, RPower was also given the Chhatrasal coal block by the Coal Ministry. However, it is awaiting environment clearance for the block as it has been designated a ‘no-go' block.

Coal production in the first year of mining could be about five mt. As each of the six units requires 2.5 mt, the surplus could be diverted to Chitrangi, also in Madhya Pradesh, where Reliance Power is building another 3,960-MW plant.

“Sasan coal mines are being developed at par with international norms of productivity, safety and efficiency. We have ensured the best combination of globally experienced team and state-of-the-art equipments are in place for our mines,” said Mr J.P. Chalasani, Chief Executive Officer, Reliance Power.

RPower, along with its strategic partner, North American Coal Corporation (NACoal), has developed the detailed mine plans and system for the mining operations. NACoal is also providing expertise relating to technical specification, equipment selection and setting up of the infrastructure of the mines.

EXIM loan

Reliance Power has got $917 million loan from the US Exim Bank for importing mining equipment.

The first lot of electric shovels has reached the mining site and are being erected. Some dump trucks and drills have been despatched from Houston. Four dozers have reached Kolkata port from Japan.

Construction of major mining infrastructure work is in progress. The erection yard is ready for commissioning of draglines, shovels, dumpers and other machinery. Facilities are in place for storing explosives, besides the licences for use of explosives. Work is also on in connection with mine power distribution system and workshop, said a senior official.

RPower had placed orders for equipment such as drills, dozers, draglines, electric shovels and dump trucks with majors such as Atlas Copco, Bucyrus and Komatsu.

Sasan Power, a wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Power, is developing the 4,000-MW plant. It will supply power to seven states at a levelised tariff of Rs 1.196 per kWh.