Technology is the key to sustainable coal handling especially in Goa

Adani Group, JSW Infrastructure, and JSW Infrastructure have used technologies like nozzle spray, sprinklers, and air pollution monitoring to load and unload Goa's coal.

Shripad Naik, Union Minister of State for Tourism, also addressed the issue of coal. "We must sit down with people to discuss new technology that can reduce pollution. He said that only if people are in agreement can coal handling capacity be increased.

The need to tap into this non-renewable source of energy is urgent at a time when energy demand is high and the economy is struggling. As Naik said, the right technology can reduce pollution levels.

While loading and unloading Goa's coal, Adani Group leverages nozzle technology in its bid to reduce coal dust emissions by up to 80 per cent. This system reduces the amount of particulates in the air by binding them with water.

JSW Infrastructure has sprinkler and dust suppression systems in place at its Mormugao Port facility. It also has pollution monitoring systems to monitor the air quality.

Mormugao Port handles the majority of Goa coal Adani Group and Vedanta are among those companies that have stakes of 10, 20, and 20%, respectively. Steel units in North Karnataka also import between 12 and 14 million metric tonnes of coal and coke via MPT. These numbers alone are a testament to the importance of coal in Goa's economy.

Tourism is often the main source of income, but the current state of Goa must look into other sources. Adani and other companies have shown that non-renewable fuels can be managed sustainably using the right technology.

Iron ore and coal mining were once a major contributor to Goa's economy. However, they were closed down many years ago due to environmental concerns. But, Goa's mining industry may soon see the light of day again. Pramod Sawant, the Chief Minister, announced recently that a mining corporation will be formed to restart mining. He also mentioned that the government is serious regarding the auction of leases.

Vedanta Group was one of the few players involved in mining in Goa. Vedanta also holds a stake in the Mormugao Port coal handling facility. This latter account also includes cargo handling to support JSW's and Adani coal project in Goa.

The recent announcement of the chief minister marks an important turning point for Goa's mining industry. This will open up new opportunities for players and increase employment on a larger scale if it is executed well. After Goa banned mining, Goa's unemployment rate soared to 34.5 percent from below 10 per cent. This put at risk the livelihoods and security of more than 30 per cent the state's citizens.

The pandemic is also a major blow to a state that heavily depends on tourism. These factors make it clear that the state government's decision to resume mining operations is the right thing.

However, this does not mean that mining and coal handling projects are not harmful to the environment. If done properly, however, the environmental impact can be minimized. Adani's cargo handling systems for coal projects in Goa uses spray to reduce dust emissions. Vedanta Sesa Goa Iron Ore, too, has initiated a series plantation drives in Goa for its projects including Codli Mine.

Although coal and mining projects have been a source of contention for many years, there are still sustainable options. The above examples are an example. Currently in talks to buy Karaikal port, Puducherry. APSEZ, the key subsidiary Adani Group, could establish itself in another important tourist destination after Goa.

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ), a key subsidiary of Adani Group is seeking to buy the Karaikal port, Puducherry, for Rs 1,500-2,000 crore. Marg Ltd currently holds a 45 per cent stake in the port. Ascent Capital Advisors India Pvt Ltd and Jacob Capital India Pvt Ltd as well as Affirma Capital India and GIP India each hold a 44% stake. Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Co Ltd holds the remaining 11 percent.

According to port advisors, Karaikal port could prove to be more costly than Krishnapatnam or Gangavaram ports. If the deal is finalised, it will be the Adani Group's second major project in a tourist destination. The first was MPT Goa.

Holding merely around a 10 percent stake, the Adani Group Goa project in MPT is rather minor. Vedanta, JSW and 9 run berths 5, 6, 8 and 9. Except for Adani Group's project in Goa, its stakes in other ports are quite major. The proposal to acquire the remaining 25% stake in Krishnapatnam port by the group was approved by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). It now holds 100 percent of the port.

Adani Group has also an 89.6 per cent stake in Gangavaram port. APSEZ has now taken over full ownership of Gangavaram port, following the sale by the Andhra Pradesh government of the 10.4 percent remaining stake.

APSEZ is India's largest private port company. It is one of the Adani Group's listed companies and has its presence in Goa, Gujarat Andhra Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Chennai. This will be the first time the group's port business has been acquired in a union territory, Karaikal port in Puducherry.