ONGC finds shale gas in Bengal

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), the country’s biggest energy explorer, has struck shale gas reserves in its maiden well in West Bengal. This is the first time shale gas has been discovered in sedimentary shale gas rocks outside the US and Canada.

“ONGC created an exploration landmark when gas flowed out from the Barren Measure shale at a depth of around 1,700 metres, in its first R&D well, RNSG-1, near Durgapur at Icchapur, West Bengal,” the state-run company said in a statement.

Though the well is still under assessment, the breakthrough is significant, as India is the first Asian country where gas was discovered from shale outside the US and Canada. “The well was drilled down to a depth of 2,000 metres. The Barren Measure Shale, which is the main target, was encountered from 985 to 1,843 metres,” the statement said.

Exploration of shale gas, an unconventional energy source, has witnessed a surge in the US and Canada in recent times and is making substantial contribution to total gas production. In the US, shale gas contributes nearly 17 per cent of total gas produce.

The R&D project, which involved drilling of four wells in the Damodar Basin — two wells in the Raniganj sub-basin in West Bengal and two wells in the North Karanpura sub-basin in Jharkhand, was operationalised with the help of Schlumberger. “The estimated expenditure is about Rs 168 crore and the total project is expected to be completed within 520 days,” ONGC said.

Source: ONGC finds shale gas in Bengal

Jindal Steel starts land survey for coal mining

DURGAPUR, 6 FEB: Chinese mining experts, appointed by Jindal Steel for the purpose, started a survey for a coal mining project in the Sarpi-Ichapur area in Laudoha block about 12 km from Durgapur town. The coal deposits were located in January, 2011. A group of 31 Chinese coal mining experts headed by Mr U Lee were seen conducting land survey in the Ichapur-Sarpi area this morning. They were given adequate police protection apprehending local protests against the project.

Jindal Steel was awarded three captive coal blocks in Ichapur, Kulti and Salanpur in Burdwan district for extracting coal for the purpose of running its proposed steel plant at Salboni in Midnapore West. Incidentally, the project had met with protests from the People’s Committee against Police Action (PCPA) which brought a long-sustained political turmoil in Lalgarh and its adjoining areas, experiencing a slew of police-Maoist encounters in recent times. Jindal Steel officials had intimated the nearby Laudoha police station of the survey prior to the visit of Chinese experts. The West Bengal Mineral Trading Development Corporation, the prime custodian of coal blocks, had awarded mining lease to the Jindals for the purpose of captive usage. The Ichapur – Sarpi mine, according to experts: “Would have a 10 square km operation zone and would be an underground mine lifting coal from the seam reserve located 1400 ft underground. 80 to 90 drillings will be conducted to know the thickness of the seam bed.” The company is planning to use Chinese or Australian technology for coal extraction from the mine. sns

Source: Jindal Steel starts land survey for coal mining