Lignite coal, also known as brown coal, is the lowest rank of coal in terms of carbon content and calorific value. It is softer, contains a higher moisture content, and is primarily used in power generation, cement manufacturing, and industrial heating due to its affordability and abundance.
Lignite Coal Reserves in Pakistan
Pakistan possesses significant lignite reserves, particularly in the Sindh province. The Thar Coalfield, one of the largest in the world, holds over 175 billion tonnes of coal — 94% of which is lignite.
🇵🇰 Major Lignite Coal Deposits:
| Region | Estimated Reserves | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Thar (Sindh) | 175+ Billion Tonnes | 9 Blocks Allocated for Mining & Power Plants |
| Sonda-Jherruk | ~3.7 Billion Tonnes | Potential for open-pit mining |
| Lakhra | ~1.3 Billion Tonnes | Used in cement and power sectors |
| Indus East | ~1.8 Billion Tonnes | Adjacent to Thar coal belt |
Key Characteristics of Lignite Coal from Pakistan
| Property | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Moisture Content | 35% – 55% |
| Volatile Matter | 30% – 45% |
| Fixed Carbon | 20% – 30% |
| Ash Content | 5% – 15% |
| Calorific Value | 2,500 – 3,800 kcal/kg (GCV) |
| Color | Brown to dark brown |
| Texture | Soft and crumbly |
Note: Quality varies slightly by mine and depth of extraction.
Uses of Lignite Coal in Pakistan
- Power Generation
- Thar lignite is used in mine-mouth power plants (e.g., Engro, Hubco, Shanghai Electric projects)
- Preferred for thermal energy due to local availability
- Cement Industry
- Used as fuel in kilns due to its cost-effectiveness
- Brick Kilns & Boilers
- Replacing imported coal or furnace oil in small-scale industries
- Potential Use in Gasification & Fertilizer Production
Advantages of Using Pakistani Lignite Coal
- Abundant Reserves – Over 200 billion tonnes in total
- Reduces Import Bill – Alternative to South African/Indonesian coal
- Supports Local Industry – Cheaper energy for cement, textiles, etc.
- Mining-Friendly Terrain – Especially in Thar (shallow deposits)
- Energy Security – Strategic national resource
Challenges
- High moisture and low energy density
- Needs dewatering or drying before transport or combustion
- Limited washing and beneficiation infrastructure
- Environmental concerns (high CO₂ emissions)
Thar Coal & Power Projects (Current Status)
- Thar Block II: Operated by Engro Powergen – 660 MW running
- Thar Block I: Operated by Shanghai Electric – 1,320 MW
- Hubco Thar Energy: 330 MW
- Future: Plans to scale up to 5,000+ MW via indigenous lignite
Export Potential
While lignite is primarily used domestically, processed lignite products such as coal briquettes or lignite-based fertilizer can have limited export potential to nearby countries (e.g., Afghanistan, Central Asia), particularly for non-power applications.
Conclusion
Lignite coal in Pakistan, especially from Thar, is not just a fossil fuel but a cornerstone of the country’s energy security strategy. Its use in power generation and industrial processes can reduce dependence on imported fuels and support sustainable economic growth — provided environmental and technological concerns are addressed through clean coal technologies.
