Govt. to tender coal ash of Norochcholai

The government will start selling the coal ash by-product created at the Norochcholai coal-fired power plant to the companies that have use of the material.

Power and Energy Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya had made the proposal to the cabinet since there is high demand for coal ash from some industries.

Bids have been called to dispose of around 255,000 metric tonnes of coal ash produced annually and dispose them to eligible institutions.

Coal ash is being used as an alternative for cement in producing concrete and also as a replacement for mined gypsum, across the world.

Coal ash has been identified as a prime source of providing nutrients for degraded soil, although questions have been raised on the toxicity of this practice to both crops and humans.