Coal India (CIL) in JV with Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is likely to complete the exploration of coal block for its proposed coal gasification project within 18 months. CIL had entered into an MoU with ONGC in 2007 for the proposed coal gasification project.

On completion of exploration, the relevant data collected is expected to be submitted to a premier mining institute in Russia and act as a consultant for the project. CIL has already identified one of the coal blocks situated in the mining area of Eastern Coalfields. Work has already been awarded to a private agency for carrying out a detailed exploration of the coal block for the coal gasification project.

The reserves of the coal block and the expenditure on the coal gasification project are expected to be finalised after the completion of the exploration work.

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CIL to invite bids for seven underground mines by end-March (06-Mar-09)