Which of the following are the characteristics of Indian coal? 1. High ash content 2. Low sulphur content 3. Low ash fusion temperature Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Indian coal is mostly Gondwana coal, and its defining features are high ash and low sulphur. Statements 1 and 2 are correct, so the answer is A.

• Statement 1 (correct): Indian coal typically carries 30 to 45 per cent ash, largely inorganic mineral matter. This lowers calorific value and raises transport and handling costs, which is why washing and beneficiation matter for thermal power plants.
• Statement 2 (correct): Sulphur is usually below 1 per cent, so Indian coal is relatively clean in terms of sulphur dioxide emissions compared with many high-sulphur coals.
• Statement 3 (wrong): Indian coal ash has a high ash fusion temperature, not a low one. Refractory ash fuses at higher temperatures, which means it is less prone to slagging and clinkering in boilers.

The core concept is the proximate and ultimate analysis of coal. It links to the Mains theme of coal quality, import dependence and the environmental footprint of thermal power. Gondwana coalfields in the Damodar, Mahanadi and Godavari valleys are the main source.

Trap: Aspirants try to guess the ash fusion behaviour from boiler clinkering experience and pick 'low', when the refractory nature of Indian coal ash points to a high fusion temperature.