Coal news and updates

Coal ministry launches Tranche 13 of commercial coal mine auction

Ministry of Coal successfully launched the 13^th round of commercial coal mine auctions with a total 17 mines, which include 14 new mines and additional 3 roll over mines as second attempt of Tranche 12 coal block auction, according to an official release.

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. The mines being auctioned are spread across coal bearing states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

“With 134 mines auctioned across 12 rounds, attracting investments worth Rs 41,600 crore and generating over 3.5 lakh jobs, we are reshaping India’s energy landscape. The 13th 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,” said Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines.

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 percent of India’s coal resources, approximately 370 billion tons, are deep-seated and currently unmineable through conventional methods.