Question

Which of the following statements are correct? \[ \begin{aligned} A.&\ \text{Gondwana coal contributes to the largest proportion of both the reserves and production of coal.} B.&\ \text{Gondwana coal is about 250 million years old.} C.&\ \text{Gondwana fields have largely anthracite coal.} D.&\ \text{The Gondwana coal is almost free from moisture but it contains sulphur and phosphorous in small quantities.} \end{aligned} \] Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B and D only
• B. A, B and C only
• C. B, C and D only
• D. A, C and D only

Hint:

Gondwana Coal: \[ \boxed{ \begin{aligned} \text{Age} &\rightarrow \text{About 250 Million Years}, \text{Type} &\rightarrow \text{Bituminous}, \text{Major Share} &\rightarrow \text{Indian Coal Production}. \end{aligned} } \] Mnemonic: “Gondwana = Great Bituminous Coal.”

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Gondwana coal accounts for the majority of India's coal reserves and production. It is about 250 million years old and is generally low in moisture with relatively low sulphur and phosphorus content. Anthracite coal is mainly found in Jammu and Kashmir, not in the Gondwana coalfields.

Step 1: Evaluate each statement. \[ \begin{aligned} A.&\ \text{True. Gondwana coal contributes the largest share of reserves and production.} B.&\ \text{True. It belongs to the Permian Period (\(\approx\)250 million years old).} C.&\ \text{False. Gondwana coal is mainly bituminous, not anthracite.} D.&\ \text{True. It has low moisture and comparatively low sulphur and phosphorus.} \end{aligned} \]

Step 2: Identify the correct combination. \[ \boxed{ A,\ B,\ \text{and}\ D } \] Hence, \[ \boxed{\text{(A)}} \]