Released on = December 22, 2006, 10:18 pm

Press Release Author = RNCOS

Industry = Energy

Press Release Summary = Coal ministry in India has plans to allot 41 critical blocks
of coal to public and private players, and state or center owned PSUs. This is
expected to result in an increase in coal production by the end of 2006.

Press Release Body = Indian coal ministry plans to allot 41 critical blocks of coal
with a joint coal reserve of 16 Billion Tons (These blocks are in Orissa, Jharkhand,
Maharashtra, and Chattisgarh). Furthermore, the ministry has already started
inviting applications from private power firms and PSUs regarding this.

Nearly, 15 blocks will be allotted to private players such as Reliance Energy, Tata
Power, and Jindal Steel, whereas 16 blocks shall be awarded to firms who win bids
for nine mega power projects. However, Central & State power Public Sector
Undertakings (PSUs) will receive the rest of the 10 blocks.

The initial lot of 15 blocks for private players will be allotted after
government’s screening committee scrutinizes the applications on the strength
of the past performance and financial health of the company.

Power is a key driving force of Indian economy and if cheaper fuels, e.g. coal,
aren’t made available, government\'s ambitions to achieve double digit growth
is likely to remain a dream impossible to realize. Prime Minister has taken personal
initiative for upholding floundering power sector in the country by convincing the
coal ministry to give captive blocks of coal to power sector.

“Indian Coal Industry: Opportunities for Growth (2006)”, recently
published market research report by RNCOS, provides extensive research and objective
analysis of the Coal Sector in India. This report has been written to help clients
in analyzing the opportunities, challenges and drivers in this sector.

“Production through these coal blocks will likely reach 45 Million Tons
towards the end of this year (2006), supporting around 10000 megawatt of power
generation annually”, said an industry expert at RNCOS.

Key issues and facts analyzed by the report are:

- Get an insight into the trends in market performance.
- Future Outlook of the Coal sector in India.
- Identify driving factors and Pinpoint sectors for growth.
- Identify market, leaders and understand the competitive environment.
- Key challenges and strategies In Indian Coal Industry.
- The emerging technologies in the coal mining industries.
- The private players in the Indian coal sector.

About RNCOS:

RNCOS, incorporated in 2002, provides Market Research Reports for your business
needs and aims to put an end to your information pursuit. Our expertise in gathering
global business information for industry research, corporate training, growth
consulting, and business consulting, brings reputed companies and firms to us for
business enhancement solutions. We can be your one-stop-shop for Industry research
information and niche market analysis.

For more information visit: http://www.rncos.com/Report/IM0371.htm

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