Raniganj coalfield (coal)
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Overview
Raniganj in West Bengal is a Damodar valley Gondwana coalfield, where commercial coal mining in India began in 1774.
It is in the Damodar valley in West Bengal.
Coal mining in India began here in 1774.
It has many abandoned mines, causing land subsidence.
The field lies in Paschim Bardhaman district, around Asansol and Durgapur, and extends into Jharkhand.
It was the birthplace of commercial coal mining in India, started by the East India Company's agents.
Durgapur steel plant and many thermal power stations depend on it.
Land subsidence and underground fires in old workings have forced the relocation of some settlements.
Geography and key facts
- West Bengal, Damodar valley
- Mining since 1774
- Damodar valley
- Mining began 1774
- Subsidence
Why it matters for UPSC
Asked on coalfields.
Note for UPSC
West Bengal; where commercial coal mining in India began (1774).
Questions match minerals and fields with their states and regions.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Raniganj coalfield (coal) yet.
Key facts
- Type
- Mineral / fuel deposit
- State / UT
- West Bengal
- Kind
- coal
- Coordinates
- 23.629°N, 87.115°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
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Other places in West Bengal
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