This textbook deals with various fuel minerals and resources such as coal, lignite, petroleum, natural gas, coal bed methane, atomic minerals and water, and discusses various related aspects including geological occurrence, distribution, resource, reserves and potential, requirements and existing gaps, industrial uses, etc. Besides, coal beneficiation, underground coal gasification, mining technology, etc. have also been described in detail.
The subject matter of the book is divided into five sections for focused study of pertinent issues in the subject. Section A describes conventional and non-conventional energy resources of India. Section B discusses coal resources elaborately. It comprises origin and occurrence, petrology, nomenclature, grading, hydrogenation, underground coal gasification, coal beneficiation/preparation, exploration and mining technology. Section C describes petroleum resources and discusses various petroliferous sedimentary basins, reservoirs, well spacing, along with details on evolution, R&D and prospects of oil industry. Section D is comprised of surface and underground water potential and their development. Section E provides comprehensive discussion on atomic minerals with particular reference to uranium minerals.
The book is meant for the students, teachers and researchers of Geology, Geography, Environmental Science and Mining Engineering at university level. It will also be of immense help to students preparing for competitive examinations like UGC-CSIR (NET), GATE and SLET for JRF and lectureship eligibility in universities and colleges as well as GSI, ONGC, OIL, CIL, CGWB, NMDC, etc. and also for administrative services (IAS, IPS, IFS, PCS, etc.).
S.K. Tiwari is Associate Professor at U.G.C. Academic Staff College, Banaras Hindu University (BHU). He is postgraduate in Applied Geology and obtained his Ph.D. on the subject with thesis on Geology of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, from BHU. He is the recipient of Sharma Memorial Gold Medal from Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad.
Dr. Tiwari has actively participated in several national and international conferences on environment and geology. The books written by him include Ore Geology, Economic Minerals and Mineral Economics; Mining and Environmental Science and Environmental Science published by Atlantic Publishers and Distributors (P) Ltd. Besides, he has contributed a large number of articles on geology, environment, minerals and related topics in journals of repute.
Dr. Tiwari is considered an authority on mining and ore geology. He has carved out a niche for himself in academic circles by dint of hard work, deep research and writing prowess.
