In a landmark step towards strengthening India’s energy security and accelerating domestic coal production, the Ministry of Coal successfully launched the 13th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions in New Delhi. 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 13th 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.
