It gives me immense pleasure to address you through this message on behalf of the Coal Preparation Society of India (CPSI). Our Society represents a vibrant and technically distinguished fraternity engaged in highlighting the cause of coal preparation, beneficiation, washery operations, technology development, logistics, environmental management, and allied domains that form the backbone of India’s coal value chain.

Coal continues to play a pivotal role in India’s energy security, industrial growth, and economic development. Even coking coal has been declared as “Critical Mineral” by Government of India. As the country progresses towards greater self-reliance in energy resources while simultaneously advancing sustainability commitments, the coal preparation sector occupies a position of strategic importance. Efficient coal washing and beneficiation are no longer optional enhancements — they are essential processes for quality improvement, resource conservation, environmental compliance, and economic optimisation.

Over the past decade, India’s coal sector has undergone significant structural and policy transformations. Production capacities have expanded, commercial mining has been opened to broader participation, as a result, Coal India’s Gevra Block is on its way to become World’s top mine as it is going to touch a production level of 63 million tonnes. It will surpass the production capacity of Black Thunder mine of USA. With this sequence, it is pertinent to mention that logistics systems are being modernised, and regulatory frameworks are increasingly aligned with transparency and efficiency but coal quality as mined is deteriorating. In this evolving landscape, coal preparation is emerging as a critical enabler of:

• Improved coal quality and consistency
• Enhanced combustion efficiency at end-use plants along with all allied benefits to Power Plants.
• Reduction in ash-related environmental impacts at consumer’s end
• Better utilisation of mineral resources
• Optimised transportation economics

Washeries today are not merely processing units — they are quality assurance centres, environmental mitigation facilities, and value-addition hubs integrated into a larger national mission of energy resilience.

The regulatory environment governing coal washing, transport, storage, and utilisation continues to evolve in response to technological advancements and sustainability objectives. Stakeholders are required to adhere to applicable guidelines relating to:

• Coal beneficiation standards
• Environmental protection and emission control
• Solid waste management and utilisation of washery rejects
• Safe storage, handling, and transportation protocols
• Reporting and compliance mechanisms as prescribed by statutory authorities

The emphasis on responsible utilisation of washery rejects and by-products reflects a broader national shift toward circular economy principles. The industry is encouraged to view rejects not as waste but as potential secondary resource for energy recovery, construction applications, and other beneficial uses, consistent with environmental safeguards and government policies.

As a Society, CPSI strongly advocates for proactive compliance, transparent reporting, and adoption of best practices that go beyond minimum regulatory thresholds. Sustainable growth of our sector depends on balancing operational efficiency with ecological responsibility.

Coal preparation cannot be viewed in isolation from logistics. The efficiency of washed coal supply chains depends upon seamless integration of first-mile connectivity, rail evacuation systems, road transport management, and storage infrastructure.

India’s emphasis on strengthening coal logistics infrastructure presents opportunities for improved turnaround times, reduced losses, cost optimisation, and lower environmental footprints. Modernisation efforts — including mechanised loading systems, digital tracking, and multimodal transport integration — are reshaping how coal moves from mine to market.

Washeries must align capacity planning, product sizing strategies, and dispatch mechanisms with evolving logistics frameworks to ensure reliability and competitiveness.

The future of coal preparation lies in technological advancement and data-driven operations. Adoption of improved dense media systems, enhanced screening efficiency, automation in process control, real-time sampling and analysis, and digital plant monitoring systems will define next-generation washeries.

Emerging trends include:

• Process optimisation through advanced modelling and use of AI Reduction of water consumption through recycling and thickening systems Energy-efficient equipment integration Improved fine coal recovery technologies Dust suppression and emission control advancements

Innovation is not limited to machinery — it also encompasses operational philosophy. Continuous improvement, performance benchmarking, and knowledge sharing across the fraternity will determine our collective progress.

The coal preparation industry operates at the intersection of resource utilisation and environmental responsibility. It is imperative that we adopt a forward-looking approach in:

• Minimising water consumption
• Reducing air emissions and fugitive dust
• Ensuring safe and scientific disposal or utilisation of rejects
• Rehabilitating storage areas and land use zones
• Enhancing energy efficiency within washery operations

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are becoming integral to business sustainability. Responsible practices not only ensure regulatory compliance but also strengthen stakeholder confidence and long-term viability.

Technology and infrastructure can only deliver results when supported by competent professionals. Capacity building, skill enhancement, and safety awareness remain foundational pillars for the sector. In this context, we need to interact with all stakeholders to deliberate on the issue of coal beneficiation particularly the end users as we are entering into the phase where coal availability is relatively much better and consumers are in a position to choose or have their say as regards the quality and other issues. Growing availability of coal from Private operators have helped to change the scenario. Things will improve further as private mine operators will present better competitive options to public sector coal companies which will force them to give attention to quality. Here comes the role of washeries which is bound to get new lease of life.

We need to suggest Govt. of India to relook to their policies of lifting the embargo on transportability, and use of high ash non-coking coal (>34%) and emphasises end users to use washed coal.

To end I would like to emphasise that new Dawn has come. “Coal Preparation” need to be pushed forward in the overall interest of Coal Industry and our Country’s economy at large.

Jai Hind
H L Sapru