The Central government has earmarked Rs 937 crore for exploration of mines that are not associated with Coal India (CIL) for FY20. Of this fund, Rs 120 crore has been earmarked for regional exploration and Rs 817 crore for detailed drilling.
The funds have been allocated for carrying out exploration in non-CIL blocks in coal and lignite. Regional exploration has been planned for 37 coal blocks and 10 lignite blocks, whereas detailed drilling has been planned for 121 coal blocks and one lignite block.
Exploration of non-CIL coal blocks is carried out under the Central Sector Scheme 'Exploration of Coal & Lignite' of the Ministry of Coal. Under this scheme, both regional exploration and detailed drilling of these blocks are conducted.