Which of the following is/are the characteristic/ characteristics of Indian coal?
- 1.High ash content
- 2.Low sulphur content
- 3.Low ash fusion temperature
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Answer & explanation
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Indian coal is of drift origin, which gives it a high ash content. Its sulphur content is low. Its ash has a high fusion temperature, so 'low ash fusion temperature' is wrong. Only statements 1 and 2 hold.
- ✓ 1. The Ministry of Coal states that Indian coal, because of its drift origin, contains a higher percentage of ash than imported coal.
- ✓ 2. The Ministry of Coal states plainly that Indian coal's sulphur content is low. Burning it therefore releases less sulphur dioxide.
- ✗ 3. The Ministry of Coal describes Indian coals as high-ash coals with high ash fusion temperatures. For this reason, gasifiers with dry-ash removal suit them well. 'Low ash fusion temperature' is the opposite of the real property.
- ✗ (d) This option treats 'low ash fusion temperature' as a feature of Indian coal. It is the opposite of the real property.
Remember · Indian coal has high ash, low sulphur and a high ash fusion temperature. The Tertiary coals of the North-East are the notable exception, being high in sulphur.
Sources
- Ministry of Coal, Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 677 – Ash Content in the Coal ↗ “Indian Coal due its drift origin contains higher percentage of Ash as compared to import coal. However, Indian coal’s Sulphur content is low.”
- Ministry of Coal, National Coal Gasification Mission (100 MT Coal Gasification by 2030) ↗ “Dry- ash Removal System is highly suitable for High-ash Indian Coals having High Ash Fusion Temperatures.”
Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 2013, General Studies Paper I. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 25 Oct 2026 (how we verify). ·
