In a landmark step towards strengthening India’s energy security and accelerating domestic coal production, the Ministry of Coal successfully launched the 13^th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions in New Delhi today. The event was graced by Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, as the Chief Guest, and Minister of State, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, as the Guest of Honour.

In his keynote address, Shri G. Kishan Reddy celebrated India’s historic achievement of surpassing One Billion Tonnes (BT) coal production in FY 2025 a testament to the transformative reforms initiated under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He emphasized that since 2015, the coal sector has undergone a paradigm shift through transparent auction regimes, increased private sector participation, and technological modernization.

The Minister highlighted that the coal sector is emerging as a key champion of Atmanirbhar Bharat, with a transparent and inclusive auction system attracting new companies and junior mining firms, providing them fresh opportunities to enter the industry. With 134 mines auctioned across 12 rounds, attracting investments worth ₹41,600 crore and generating over 3.5 lakh jobs, we are reshaping India’s energy landscape. The 13^th Round introduces 14 coal blocks, further reducing reliance on imports and conserving foreign exchange. The transparent auction process has fostered healthy competition, compelling public sector undertakings (PSUs) to innovate and compete with private players, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and global competitiveness.

The Minister further stressed the need for diversification from conventional coal mining to cleaner use of coal through coal gasification. He emphasized that more than 40% of India’s coal resources, approximately 370 billion tonnes, are deep-seated and currently unmineable through conventional methods. Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) represents a transformative approach, allowing these vast, untapped coal reserves to be converted directly into syngas underground. By harnessing coal in situ, this technology not only unlocks immense energy potential but also minimizes surface disturbance, reduces land use, and promotes cleaner, more sustainable coal utilization, marking a significant step forward in India’s energy roadmap. He also highlighted the importance of coal production and urged the successful bidders to commence production ahead of schedule to avail incentives, while reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to progressive reforms, removal of bottlenecks, expediting clearances, and improving ease of doing business. Stressing that coal demand will continue to rise, he said India must plan ahead to enhance production from its vast reserves as the world’s second-largest producer and consumer.

Highlighting the Prime Minister’s vision of Reform, Perform, Transform, Shri Reddy underlined that the Ministry is driving reforms to ensure efficiency, transparency, and long-term sustainability. He also called upon stakeholders to offer constructive suggestions to further strengthen reforms and accelerate the sector’s growth.

Shri Reddy also talked about the holistic approach in coal mining involving the community development and welfare of the local public. He emphasized, investing in coal today is investing in India’s future. Every opportunity in the sector not only strengthens our energy security but also promises long-term growth, sustainable development, and a chance to be part of the nation’s journey towards a self-reliant and prosperous energy landscape.

In his address Union Minister of State of Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, stated that with India surpassing One Billion Tonnes of coal production, the launch of the 13th round of commercial coal mine auctions marks another significant step towards energy self-sufficiency. He emphasized that a transparent auction mechanism, industry-friendly policies, and increased private sector participation will not only enhance coal production but also attract investment, create employment opportunities, and accelerate infrastructure growth.

He emphasised the need for sustainable development including efficient mine closure practises, tree plantation for environment conservation and generating livelihood for local communities. He also highlighted the practise of Plantation drive under “Ek Ped Maa ke Naam” initiative started by Prime Minister and urged the participants to contribute in this initiative.

He also reiterated that ease of doing business remains a key focus area, aligning with the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in the energy domain.

In his address, Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, provided a comprehensive overview of the sector’s transformation since introduction of CMSP Act, 2015 to the introduction of commercial coal mining in 2020. He lauded the achievement of 1 billion Tonne coal production and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to faster mine operationalization, streamlined clearances, and enhanced logistics through coordination with MoEF&CC, Ministry of Railways, and State Governments.

Shri Dutt emphasized the strategic importance of coal gasification in India’s energy roadmap. These technologies offer cleaner alternatives to conventional coal combustion, enabling the production of syngas for use in power generation, fertilizers, and petrochemicals. They reduce carbon emissions, optimize resource utilization, and unlock value from deep-seated coal reserves that are otherwise uneconomical to mine.

Shri Dutt also elaborated on the current status of coal gasification in India. He noted that several pilot projects are underway, and the Ministry has launched an incentive scheme of Rs 8500 Crore to promote coal gasification, offering financial support and policy facilitation to eligible projects.

“We are actively supporting coal gasification through a dedicated incentive framework,” said Shri Dutt. Seven Projects have been selected for the incentive scheme. This will accelerate adoption, attract investments, and position India as a global leader in clean coal technologies.

He assured stakeholders of the Ministry’s full support in fast-tracking Environmental Clearances (EC) and Forest Clearances (FC), removing bottlenecks, and ensuring responsible mining practices. Environmental sustainability remains a priority, with a focus on afforestation, rehabilitation of mined-out areas, and stringent compliance measures.

Delivering the welcome address, Ms. Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary and Nominated Authority, Ministry of Coal, highlighted the transformative impact of commercial coal mining in unlocking new opportunities for private players and fostering competition.

She also spoke that the Underground Coal Gasification represents a pioneering technology in coal utilization, enabling the conversion of coal directly into syngas while still underground. This process minimizes surface disturbance, reduces land requirement, and lowers the environmental footprint compared to traditional mining methods.

Highlighting the importance of UCG, Ms. Brar noted that India has vast coal reserves located at greater depths, which remain untapped due to technical and economic limitations of traditional mining. UCG offers a sustainable pathway to tap these reserves, ensuring energy security while aligning with the principles of responsible and cleaner coal utilization.

The launch marks another major step towards unlocking new investment opportunities, ensuring responsible mining practices, and fostering greater participation in India’s coal sector. The event also featured the signing of agreements of previous tranche with successful bidders, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and private sector participation in coal mining.

As part of the 13^th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions, 4 coal mines are being offered  under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 (CMSP) and 10 under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR). Out of the total mines, 10 are fully explored and ready for immediate development, while 4 are partially explored, offering long-term investment opportunities and contributing to the growth of India’s coal sector. In addition, three mines from previous round of commercial coal mine auctions are also being offered. The mines being auctioned are spread across coal bearing states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

The 13th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions is set to unlock new investment opportunities, enhance domestic coal supply, and contribute significantly to India’s energy security. The Ministry of Coal remains dedicated to fostering growth, sustainability, and safety in the sector, ensuring that India continues to move toward a self-reliant coal economy while prioritizing environmental conservation and community welfare.

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Shuhaib T

(Release ID: 2159531)