New Delhi, Oct 29: The Ministry of Coal on Wednesday launched the 14th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions today in New Delhi, marking another milestone in India’s journey toward energy self-sufficiency and sustainable growth.
Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy graced the occasion as the Chief Guest through video conferencing. Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal; Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary; Sanoj Kumar Jha, Additional Secretary; senior officials of the Ministry; industry leaders; and key stakeholders from across the coal sector were present at the occasion.
The Ministry of Coal has successfully auctioned 133 coal mines across 12 rounds of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions, with a Peak Rated Capacity (PRC) of~276 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
Notably, for the first time, provisions for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) have been introduced in the 14th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions, reflecting the Ministry’s commitment to technological advancement and sustainable coal utilization.
Under the 14th Round, a total of 41 coal mines have been offered, of which 21 mines possess UCG potential, opening new avenues for the underground gasification of deep-seated coal reserves. Of these 41 mines, 20 are fully explored and 21 are partially Eeplored, offering a balanced mix of opportunities for investors and developers. The round includes 5 mines under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 (CMSP) and 36 under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR).
Delivering his keynote address, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, stated that the 14th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions represents a defining moment in India’s journey towards energy independence, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to energy security, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and sustainable industrial growth.
Minister highlighted that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the coal sector has undergone an unprecedented transformation from reform to perform and from perform to transform. The Minister noted that the commercial mining reforms introduced by the Government have unlocked vast new opportunities, leading to enhanced domestic production, reduced import dependency, and greater employment generation at the regional level.
Reddy further emphasized that commercial coal mining has catalyzed a paradigm shift, making the sector more competitive, efficient, and investment-friendly. He underscored that one of the most significant features of this tranche is the focus on Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) an innovative technology being promoted for the first time in the auction process. Nearly 40% of India’s coal reserves lie deep underground, beyond the reach of conventional mining methods.
Referring to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), he informed that pilot UCG projects are exempted from environmental clearance, ensuring faster implementation. He added that the Government, through a Whole-of-Government Approach, is working in close coordination to accelerate the pace of coal gasification. The success of this initiative, he emphasized, will depend on collaboration between the Government, private industry, and academia.
The Minister urged all stakeholders to enthusiastically seize this opportunity and join hands in shaping the future of coal utilization in India.
In his insightful discourse, Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, emphasized the Ministry’s steadfast commitment to accelerating reforms, enhancing transparency, and deepening digital integration across the coal ecosystem.
Dutt underlined that the Ministry is constantly working on reforms and policy-process changes to ensure timely, efficient, and sustainable outcomes. With a futuristic mindset, the Ministry aims to take reforms to a much higher level driving accelerated coal production, especially in underground mining, while ensuring responsible and optimized use of resources. Highlighting the Government’s mantra of Reform, Perform, and Transform, Dutt stated that these efforts are not only improving operational efficiency but also paving the way for private participation and technological innovation in the sector.
Dutt noted that the 14th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions represents a major step towards energy security and self-reliance, with several identified blocks suitable for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG), a technology holding immense potential for the future of clean coal utilization.
In her address, Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary and Nominated Authority, Ministry of Coal, highlighted that the recently concluded 13th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions has painted a rosy and progressive picture of India’s coal sector, marked by enthusiastic stakeholder participation and robust investor confidence. She observed that this encouraging response reflects the success of the Government’s reform-driven policies aimed at promoting transparency, competitiveness, and self-reliance in coal mining.
