by Ashis Sinha
Coal utilised as a fuel is now presented in a new way to the public in an inventive step. The Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR), Dhanbad, has spearheaded the usage of coal to make jewellery, including necklaces and earrings.
The “coal crafting” process is a combination of using peace of coal, coal dust and a binder to hold everything together so that it can be molded and formed, said Dr Selvi, Principal Scientist CIMFR.
“Developed process for making ‘fine arts, crafts and jewellery using coal’ will help skill development and economical upliftment of coal mine based women. Under this project, one gram of coal transformed into jewellery can be sold for Rs 500 – Rs 600,” she added.
After processing, coal waste can be used for making “art and craft.” I came up with the idea of using it for jewellery; created a form that could be given different shapes after processing coal waste, she said.
“These products are not only handy and light, but also sturdy and long-lasting. It is manufactured in a way that prevents it from catching fire or breaking,” added Dr Selvi.
As part of a project financed under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of CIMFR that aims to improve the lives of women in mining communities, we have devised a technique that allows coal waste to be shaped into jewellery and other ornamental products, she said.
She stressed, “We can not imagine our lives without coal, and we are proud of it. Honouring and expressing our pride in our heritage is essential to us, so I want to share it with others who share our values.”
Dr Selvi said there are many ways to start a debate about the way we consume coal today by making art, craft, and jewellery from coal.
