The Centre is taking concrete steps to boost private investment in the coal sector through commercial coal mining reforms, Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy said on Thursday. The government is intensifying stakeholder outreach, speeding up mine operationalisation, and expanding private participation to strengthen India’s energy security and coal production.
Commercial coal mining reforms drive private investment
He said the Ministry of Coal is actively engaging with industry bodies and private companies by organising roadshows and stakeholder consultations, to ensure greater awareness and wider participation. The minister informed the members that 14 rounds of commercial coal mine auctions have already been completed and the 15th round is currently under process.
He said that transparent auction process has transformed India’s coal sector by promoting competition and investment.
Coal production crosses key milestone
The meeting was attended by Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Vikram Dev Dutt, senior officials of the Ministry and coal PSUs.
Dutt said the captive and commercial mines have played an important role in achieving 1 billion tonne coal production in the last two financial years.
Coal Ministry reduces mine operational timelines
He highlighted that captive and commercial coal mines have contributed around 20 per cent of the countries coal production in last financial year. The Secretary also informed that continuous reforms introduced in the coal sector have reduced timelines of operationalisation for fully explored blocks from 51 months to 40 months, and partially explored blocks from 66 months to 52 months.
Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, gave a presentation on ‘Commercial Coal Mining Reforms and leveraging Private Sector participation’.
The committee members appreciated the Ministry’s efforts towards reforming the coal sector and offered suggestions on further improving private sector participation and balancing commercial mining growth with environmental and community concerns.
The minister assured the MPs, who attended the meeting, that their suggestions would be duly examined and taken into consideration.
Read More:
Coal Production Crosses 200 Million Tonnes in India for First Time
India Scientific Coal Mine Closure Targets 147 Mines in Next 2–3 Years
