Rajasthan State Petroleum Corporation Ltd (RSPCL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Rajasthan State Mines &Minerals Ltd proposes a joint venture to undertake the underground coal gasification (UCG) projects. RSPCL will approach the Union Coal Ministry for allotment of a block in the lignite rich Barmer-Sanchore & Bikaner-Nagpur basins in Western Rajasthan. According to RSPCL sources, explorations in Western Rajasthan have identified clean lignite deposits that are difficult to mine but suitable for UCG projects.

RSPCL will shortly invite presentations from the participants in the EoI to identify the probable partner for the joint venture. The participants include Adani Power, Tata Power, Essar, Shiv-Vani, Abhijeet group, JSW Energy, and Simon India Ltd (a subsidiary of Zuari Industries).