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Ministry of Coal launcing aution towards resilient and globally competitive coal ecosystem

Published: Apr 18, 2026

By TIOLCorplaws News Service

NEW DELHI, APR 18, 2026: THE Ministry of Coal yesterday convened the Stakeholder Consultation on 'Atmanirbhar Bharat: Coal for Energy Security', alongside the launch of the 15th round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions, marking another significant milestone in strengthening India's energy security and advancing self-reliance in the coal sector. The day-long consultation brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academia, experts, and stakeholders to deliberate on reforms, technological advancements, coal gasification, sustainability, and inclusive growth shaping the future of India's coal sector.

Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary and Nominated Authority; Sajeesh Kumar N, Coal Controller; senior officials of the Ministry; industry leaders; and key stakeholders from across the coal sector were present on the occasion.

Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal launched the 15 th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions. A total of 11 coal blocks are being offered in the 15th round, including 7 fully explored and 4 partially explored mines. Of these, 3 mines are being offered under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 (CMSP) and 8 under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR). It includes 1 coking coal block and remaining 10 are non-coking coal blocks, catering to the requirements of key sectors such as steel and power. Additionally, 6 coal mines are also being offered of 2 nd attempt of 13 th round.

The mines being auctioned are spread across coal/ lignite bearing states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana, and are expected to attract significant investment, enhance domestic coal availability, and generate employment opportunities.

So far, the Ministry of Coal has successfully auctioned 135 coal mines across 13 rounds of commercial coal mine auctions, with a Peak Rated Capacity (PRC) of approximately 325 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), reflecting the strong momentum in unlocking India's coal potential.

Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, in his keynote address underscored that the structural reforms in the coal sector are closely aligned with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a sustained focus on transparency, efficiency, and unlocking the sector's full potential. He highlighted that the introduction of the commercial coal mining framework in 2020 marked a transformative shift in the sector, paving the way for enhanced competition, private sector participation, and improved coal availability for domestic industries. Reflecting on the progress achieved, he noted that the framework has yielded significant outcomes, including increased number of mines auctioned, growing investor interest, and strengthening of domestic supply chains. He expressed satisfaction that participation in successive rounds of auctions has consistently risen, indicating strong and growing confidence among stakeholders. Emphasising a whole-of-government approach, he highlighted the importance of coordinated and collaborative efforts among ministries, state governments, and industry stakeholders in easing procedural barriers, simplifying regulatory processes, and fostering an enabling ecosystem. He added that these concerted efforts are set to drive coal production to new heights while contributing significantly to the nation's economic growth trajectory.

Dutt further elaborated that the Ministry's commitments span multiple dimensions, including sustainability, community welfare, and technological advancement. He emphasised the importance of scientific mine closure, highlighting the need to transform mined-out areas into co-created, vibrant habitats that promote a harmonious ecosystem, ensuring ecological restoration alongside community well-being and long-term social stability. He said that CSR initiatives have been instrumental in bringing positive change in coal-bearing regions and must continue to be strengthened so that communities feel included and benefit from development initiatives. On the technology front, he highlighted the Government's thrust on coal gasification as a cleaner and more efficient utilisation pathway, supported through policy measures such as viability gap funding, and noted that Underground Coal Gasification blocks have already been offered in previous auction rounds. Referring to the evolving geopolitical landscape, he underscored the importance of enhancing domestic coal production to safeguard India's energy security. Concluding his address, he called upon all stakeholders to actively participate in the upcoming rounds of commercial coal mine auctions, contribute meaningfully to the sector's growth, and collectively advance the vision of a resilient, inclusive, and self-reliant coal sector.

Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, set a decisive and forward-looking tone in her opening remarks. She called for accelerated coal production with a conscious approach, balancing growth with environmental stewardship and community well-being underscoring that sustainability must move in tandem with scale. Highlighting the transformational impact of coal sector reforms, she emphasised transparency, policy stability, and ease of doing business as key drivers attracting investment, fostering competition, and unlocking new economic avenues. She reiterated that while India stands as the 2nd largest coal producer, the sector holds far greater potential positioning coal as a powerful engine of employment, industrial growth, and national energy security.

Focusing on innovation, she highlighted coal gasification pathways both surface and underground, noting that enabling guidelines for Underground Coal Gasification have been issued and that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has already provided the Terms of Reference (ToR) framework to facilitate such projects. She further stressed the importance of scientific mine closure, highlighting responsible post-mining land use that transforms mined areas into assets for communities, ensuring ecological restoration and long-term social stability, with due emphasis on responsibility and human factors. Reinforcing a whole-of-sector approach, she highlighted the need for collaboration among government, industry, and stakeholders to drive efficiency, adopt best practices, and scale sustainable mining technologies. Concluding with a strong call to action, she urged stakeholders to actively participate, share insights, and shape outcomes, making the consultation a meaningful step towards a resilient, inclusive, and self-reliant coal ecosystem.

The stakeholder consultation witnessed insightful deliberations across key sessions covering critical dimensions of coal sector transformation. Discussions focused on technology adoption, innovation and coal gasification to drive efficiency and value addition; inclusive growth through rehabilitation, resettlement, land repurposing, worker welfare, CSR and just transition with communities and all stakeholders at the centre and sustainability measures promoting greener mining practices and environmental stewardship. Together, the sessions reflected a holistic roadmap for a modern, responsible, future-ready and self-reliant coal sector. Following the deliberations, the session was opened for an interactive Q&A segment with stakeholders, providing a valuable platform for exchange.

The Ministry of Coal is steering the sector towards a future-ready, resilient, and globally competitive coal ecosystem. The 15th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions is set to unlock new investment avenues, enhance domestic production, and reinforce India's energy security. The stakeholder consultation further reflects the Ministry's commitment to continuous engagement, innovation, and sustainable practices, ensuring that the coal sector evolves in alignment with emerging global realities and national priorities.

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