Source: PIB
Context: Recent studies using microscopic palynomorphs, organic remains, and geochemical assessments have indicated significant hydrocarbon generation potential in the South Karanpura coalfield, specifically in the eastern Sirka region of Jharkhand.
About South Karanpura coalfield:
- Location: Situated in the Ramgarh district of Jharkhand, India, forming an elongated strip along the Chingara fault.
- Reserves: Covers an area of approximately 195 square kilometers, with coal reserves estimated at 5,757.85 million tonnes.
- Mineral richness: Primarily consists of coal, carbonaceous shale, and sandstone layers, known for its significant deposits of workable coal.
- Recent features: High potential for hydrocarbon generation, especially in the eastern Sirka coalfield compared to the Giddi coalfield, with promising conditions for coal bed methane and shale gas exploration.
About Shale gas:
- Shale gas and oil are unconventional natural resources. They are found at 2,500-5,000 metres below the earth’s surface.
- They are deeper in comparison to conventional crude oil found at 1,500 metres. The process of extracting shale oil and gas requires deep vertical drilling followed by horizontal drilling.
- The most common way to extract shale gas is ‘hydraulic fracturing’ (fracking), Shale gas is trapped under low permeable rocks.
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