Gondwana coal deposits of India: Fueling growth
Gondwana coal deposits of India: Fueling growth Indian Gondwana Coal Basins Introduction The Indian Gondwana coal deposits are primarily found in the eastern and central parts of India, dating back to the Permian and Triassic periods. They are spread across several states in central and eastern India, primarily in the Damodar Valley Basin (Jharkhand and West Bengal), Mahanadi Basin (Odisha), Son-Mahanadi Basin (Chhattisgarh), Godavari Valley Basin (Telangana and Maharashtra), and Wardha Valley Basin (Maharashtra). These coal deposits are stratigraphically classified into several formations, including the Talchir, Barakar, Raniganj, and Kamthi formations. The coal-bearing strata are typically interbedded with sandstones, shales, and conglomerates, representing fluvial and lacustrine environments. These formations hold significant economic importance as they contain vast reserves of coal, contributing significantly to India's energy and growth needs. Geological Setting The ...