Daily Times

Sir: Thar coal is in the news again. I have just returned from an international conference organised by the Underground Coal Gasification Association in London. My paper entitled ‘Applicability of the UCG Process Dig or Skip’ with reference to development of Thar coal was presented on May 2, 2012. As discussed by experts, following are the basic parameters for UCG projects:

1. Coal deposits, which are difficult to mine.

2. Depth of deposit greater than 200 metres.

3. Thickness of coal seams less than 5 metres.

4. Aquifers at a distance from the coal seam to be ignited.

Unfortunately, the Thar deposit does not meet any of the above criteria. It is mineable, the depth of deposit is 150 metres, the average coal seam thickness is 20 metres, and aquifers are close to the coal seam. Dr Samar, despite warnings by experts, has wasted three years and over a billion rupees in a technology that is still emerging and is unsuitable for Thar. As indicated by experts in the field, digging for a test or development mine should be initiated immediately to obtain bulk samples of coal and to establish the mineability of the deposit.

Thar is a commercial project subject to review, audit, and feasibility. UCG experts should review pilot level work done by Dr Samar and his team before proceeding further. In 2009, the planning commission had approved two pilot projects: UCG headed by Dr Samar and Test Mine headed by Engineer Parvez Butt. Unfortunately, due to unachievable claims by Dr Samar and his team, the Test Mine Project was not started, which is the only logical approach for development of a deposit of this magnitude. Thar coal is the energy future of Pakistan, which seems to have been hijacked by individuals with no experience or background in commercial mining or gasification.

DR FARID A MALIK

Ex-Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation,

Lahore