Delhi, December 23: The Nominated Authority of the Ministry of Coal on Tuesday opened the bids for the 14th round of Commercial Coal Blocks’ Auction, witnessing encouraging participation from industry stakeholders. Bids were received for 24 coal blocks out of the 41 blocks offered in this round, reflecting sustained industry interest in India’s commercial coal mining framework.

The online bids were decrypted and opened electronically in the presence of the bidders. Subsequently, sealed envelopes containing offline bid documents were also opened in the presence of bidders. The Entire process was displayed lived on the screen for the bidders, ensuring complete transparency. Under this round, 49 bids have been received against 24 coal blocks out of 41 coal blocks.

A total of 11 companies participated in the auction process, including five new entrants bidding for the first time under the commercial coal mining regime. The participation of new companies in commercial coal block auctions highlights growing confidence in the policy framework and the expanding opportunities within India’s coal sector. The coal sector remains a key driver of economic momentum as India advances towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy.

The bids will now be evaluated by a multi-disciplinary Technical Evaluation Committee. Technically Qualified Bidders will be shortlisted for participation in the electronic auction to be conducted on the MSTC portal.

The continued response to commercial coal block auctions underscores the coal sector’s pivotal role in supporting industrial growth, strengthening energy security, and contributing to India’s journey towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy.