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Informist, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025

 

MUMBAI - The government has notified 18 private agencies for exploration and operationalisation of coal mines, it said in a release Friday. These entities, notified as accredited prospecting agencies, will carry out prospecting operations for the exploration of coal and lignite, the release said.

 

"In its ongoing effort to strengthen the coal sector and bring India closer to the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the government has taken an important step aimed at speeding up the exploration and operationalization of coal mines. In exercise of the powers under the second proviso to sub-section (1) of section 4 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, private entities duly accredited by the Quality Council of India – National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (QCINABET) have been notified on 26th November 2025, as notified Accredited Prospecting Agencies," the release said.

 

The inclusion of these 18 agencies will give coal block allottees greater flexibility and choice in engaging prospecting agencies to carry out the exploration of coal and lignite, it added.

 

Exploration and preparation of a geological report are prerequisites for a coal mine's operations. The addition of these agencies is expected to save around six months, which was earlier required for an agency to obtain a prospecting licence.

 

"By expanding the pool of authorised prospecting agencies, the government aims to harness private sector resources, promote efficiency, competitiveness, and technological innovation in the exploration ecosystem," the release said. It also said this move is expected to substantially accelerate the pace of exploration and support earlier mine development, thereby boosting the country's coal and lignite availability to meet its growing energy needs.  End

 

Reported by Abhijit Doshi

Edited by Subhojit Sarkar

 

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