List of Gondwana and Tertiary Coal Fields in India

Coal has played a central role in the industrial and economic development of India, forming the backbone of thermal power generation, iron and steel production, and several other core industries. Indian coal resources are broadly classified on the basis of their geological age into Gondwana coal fields and Tertiary coal fields. These two categories differ significantly in terms of origin, distribution, quality, and economic importance.
The Gondwana coal deposits account for the overwhelming majority of India’s coal reserves and are mainly located in the peninsular plateau. In contrast, Tertiary coal deposits are relatively younger, limited in extent, and concentrated mainly in the north-eastern and Himalayan regions.

Geological Background of Indian Coal Formation

Coal in India was formed over millions of years due to the accumulation and compaction of plant material under conditions of high pressure and temperature.

• Gondwana coal was formed during the Permian period, around 250–300 million years ago, when large parts of present-day India were part of the Gondwana supercontinent.
• Tertiary coal was formed much later, during the Tertiary period (around 1–65 million years ago), under different climatic and tectonic conditions.

This geological distinction has a direct bearing on the quality, distribution, and utilisation of coal resources.

Gondwana Coal Fields: Distribution and Characteristics

Gondwana coal fields contribute about 98 per cent of India’s total coal production. These coal deposits are mostly found in river valleys and basins of the peninsular plateau, particularly along the Damodar, Son, Mahanadi, Godavari, and Wardha valleys.
Key characteristics of Gondwana coal include:

• Generally bituminous in nature
• High carbon content, suitable for power generation and metallurgical uses
• Low moisture content but relatively high ash percentage
• Occurrence in thick and extensive seams, making mining economically viable

Major Gondwana Coal Fields of India

West BengalThe most prominent Gondwana coalfield in West Bengal lies in the Damodar Valley, especially the Raniganj coalfield, which is the oldest coalfield in India. Coal deposits are also found in parts of Bankura district. In the Darjeeling district, smaller coalfields such as Bagrakote and Tindharia are present, mainly of local importance.
Bihar (including Jharkhand region)Bihar, particularly the present-day Jharkhand region, hosts some of the richest coalfields in India.

• The Damodar Valley includes major coalfields such as Jharia, Bokaro, Ramgarh, Giridih, South and North Karanpura, Chandrapura, and Raniganj (Cis Barakar).
• The Rajmahal area contains coalfields like Hura, Gilhuria, Jilbari, Chuparbhita, Pachwara, and Brahmini.
• Other important regions include the Deogarh area, Hazaribagh district, and the Palamu region, all contributing to regional coal supply.

The Jharia coalfield is particularly significant as it is the only coalfield in India producing prime coking coal, essential for the steel industry.
Madhya Pradesh and ChhattisgarhCoalfields in this region are divided into several distinct belts:

• South Rawa Region, including Singrauli, Umaria, and Sohagpur
• North Chhattisgarh Region, with coalfields such as Tatapani-Ramkola, Chirimiri-Kurasia, Bisrampur, and Lakhanpur
• South Chhattisgarh Region, including Korba, Raigarh, and Hasdo-Rampur
• Satpura Region, comprising Pathakera, Pench Valley, Kanhan Valley, and Upper Tawa Valley

The Singrauli coalfield is one of the most important power-generation regions in India, often referred to as the “energy capital” of the country.
MaharashtraCoal deposits are concentrated mainly in the Wardha Valley, including coalfields such as Kamptee, Warora, Ghugus-Telwasa, Chanda, Ballarpur, and Rajur (Wun). These coalfields supply thermal coal to power plants in central and western India.
OdishaThe Mahanadi Valley hosts major coalfields like Talcher and the Ib River coalfield (Rampur–Hingir). Talcher is among the largest coalfields in India and plays a vital role in meeting the energy needs of eastern India.
Andhra Pradesh and TelanganaThe Pranhita–Godavari Valley contains important coalfields such as Singareni (Yellandu), Kothagudem, Ramagundam, Damaracherla, and Chinur-Sendrapalli. The Singareni coalfields are historically significant and are among the oldest commercially exploited coalfields in southern India.
Other Gondwana Coal FieldsSmaller Gondwana coal deposits are found in Uttar Pradesh (Kota in Mirzapur district), Assam (Abor, Aka and Daphla Hills), and Sikkim (Ranjit Valley), though their economic importance is limited.

Tertiary Coal Fields: Distribution and Characteristics

Tertiary coal fields account for a very small share of India’s total coal reserves. These deposits are mostly found in the extra-peninsular regions, particularly in the north-eastern states and parts of the western Himalayas.
Key characteristics of Tertiary coal include:

• Generally lignite to sub-bituminous in nature
• High moisture content
• Lower carbon content and lower calorific value
• Mostly non-coking and used for local consumption

Major Tertiary Coal Fields of India

AssamThe most important Tertiary coalfield is the Makum coalfield in the Dibrugarh district, which produces relatively better-quality coal compared to other Tertiary deposits. Other coalfields include Nahorkatiya, Doigrung, Nambor, and Longoi.
MeghalayaCoal deposits are found in the Khasi, Jaintia, and Mikir Hills, including coalfields such as Balyong, Doigring, and Waimong. These coalfields are mainly exploited through small-scale and traditional mining methods.
Arunachal PradeshTertiary coal is found in regions such as Namchick–Namphuk (Tirap district), Abor Hills, Miri, Daphla, Aka Hills, and Miao Bum, though large-scale commercial exploitation is limited due to terrain and infrastructure constraints.
NagalandImportant coalfields include Nazira, Janji, Disai, and Barjan, which supply coal primarily for local use.
Jammu and KashmirTertiary coal deposits are found in Kalakot, Mohogala, Metka, Ladda, and Saugar Marg, though their contribution to national coal production is negligible.
Overall, while Gondwana coal fields form the backbone of India’s coal economy due to their vast reserves and superior quality, Tertiary coal fields remain regionally important, catering mainly to local energy requirements under challenging geographical conditions.