With the rise in use of coal for power generation, experts at a seminar yesterday stressed the need for an immediate decision on whether Bangladesh will utilise its own coal reserves.

The country has an estimated 834 million tonnes of mineable coal across five coalfields, most of which would require open-pit mining. Delaying a decision could lead to the shutdown of the country's lone coal-fired power plant, Barapukuria, within a few years, they warned. 

The Hydrocarbon Unit (HCU) organised the seminar, titled "The Prospects and Ways to Overcome Challenges of Coal Wealth in Bangladesh", at Bidyut Bhaban in Dhaka. 

Presenting the keynote paper, Arup Kumar Biswas, director (Exploration and Production) at HCU, said Bangladesh has more than 8,000MW of coal-based power plants, most of which depend on imported coal. 

"The quality of local coal is superior, with a higher calorific value, meaning 26-30 percent less coal is required to generate the same amount of electricity compared to imported coal," he said. 

According to his presentation, the Barapukuria mine has already produced 14.94 million tonnes of coal, with an additional 4 million tonnes expected by 2029 through underground mining. After that, open-pit mining will be necessary in the mine's southern and northern parts. 

The Phulbari coalfield, where all environmental and social impact studies have already been conducted, would be the easiest to mine. Production could begin within 2-3 years, while other fields would require 8-10 years following government approval. 

Mushfiqur Rahman, technical director at Institute Orgenergostroy Bangladesh, a construction firm involved in the Rooppur nuclear power plant, said mining methods depend on a field's geological structure and available technology.

"Phulbari can only be mined through open-pit extraction. Underground mining here is not feasible. We must focus on minimising groundwater contamination and other hazards," said Mushfiqur.

He added, "If a project isn't profitable, it leads to serious social issues."

Prof M Shamsul Alam, energy adviser to the Consumers' Association of Bangladesh, criticised the presentation for omitting the 2006 Phulbari movement, in which three protesters were killed and hundreds injured while opposing Asia Energy's open-pit mining project. 

"There is an agreement between the government and Phulbari's people that open-pit mining will not be pursued. What will happen to that agreement?" he asked. 

He did not directly answer a question from Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan on whether he supported coal extraction, saying, "That can only be determined after discussions with all stakeholders." 

Prof Shamsul also condemned the high cost of locally mined coal, pointing out that coal from Barapukuria costs $176 per tonne, while imported coal is available at $100 per tonne. "This is due to corruption. A Chinese firm was awarded the mining contract without a competitive bidding process," he alleged. 

He also questioned the feasibility of reinstating topsoil after mining. "This is merely a rehashed version of old proposals," he said. 

Dhaka University's Dean of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Kazi Matin Uddin Ahmed, called for a clear roadmap to mitigate environmental and social damage through community involvement and technological improvements. 

Mohammad Saiful Islam, secretary to the energy and mineral resources division, said, "At times, we've struggled to pay coal import bills due to the foreign currency crisis. We must decide whether to use our own coal for power generation."

Fouzul Kabir Khan said the government is preparing a roadmap for the next political administration to determine whether to proceed with coal extraction. 

News Link: Govt prioritises 2508MW Indian electricity import due to lower tariff