The total of India's lignite reserves are estimated at 38 bt, of which around 3.7 bt to 4.3 bt are considered as proven (Mills, 2007, BGR, 2009). Coal India Ltd., a public sector undertaking of the Indian government, dominates the coal market with a production share of 82% in 2008. The Ministry of Coal expects that Indian coal production will increase to 630 Mt by 2012 (Ministry of Coal, 2010). The coalbeds are often in remote areas where safety is an issue and access rights are not guaranteed.