The coal ministry on Friday invited proposals for research and development (R&D) in coal sector, aimed at improving production, productivity, safety, quality, and environmental protection.

The ministry has invited proposals from academic institutions and research organizations, with the submission deadline set for 15 July.

According to a statement released from the ministry, the focus areas for R&D include advanced technology for mining, waste-to-wealth initiatives, and clean coal technologies.

The ministry has been undertaking R&D activities for coal and lignite since 1975, with a total of 330 projects completed at a cost of ?333.79 crore ($44.7 million).

The Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited in Ranchi will be the nodal agency responsible for overseeing the proposals. The Standing Scientific Research Committee, headed by the secretary of coal, will be responsible for approving the proposals.

The research projects under the Science and Technology (S&T) grant of the ministry of coal are currently being implemented by national research and academic institutions such as IITs, NITs, IISc, NRSC, CSIR laboratories, and other reputed universities.

Source: Livemint