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Informist, Friday, Apr. 17, 2026

KOLKATA – The government Friday launched the 15th round of commercial coal mine auctions, offering a total of 11 blocks--seven fully explored and four partially explored mines. The government also convened a stakeholder consultation on coal for the country's energy security. 

Of the mines on offer, three are being offered under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 and eight under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. It includes one coking coal block and 10 non-coking coal blocks, catering to the requirements of key sectors such as steel and power, the government said in a statement. Additionally, six coal mines are also being offered for second attempt of the previously concluded 13th round of coal mine auctions. 

The mines being auctioned are spread across coal and lignite bearing states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana, and are expected to attract significant investment, enhance domestic coal availability, and generate employment opportunities, the government said. 

So far, the coal ministry has successfully auctioned 135 coal mines across 13 rounds of commercial coal mine auctions, with a peak rated capacity of around 325 million tonnes per annum.

The day-long stakeholders' consultation brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academia, experts, and stakeholders to deliberate on reforms, technological advancements, coal gasification, sustainability, and inclusive growth shaping the future of India's coal sector.

Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt, in the stakeholders' consultation, said that participation in successive rounds of auctions has consistently risen, indicating strong and growing confidence among stakeholders. 

Dutt said that the government is thrusting on coal gasification as a cleaner and more efficient utilisation pathway, supported through policy measures such as viability gap funding, and noted that underground coal gasification blocks have already been offered in previous auction rounds. 

Referring to the evolving geopolitical landscape, the coal secretary underscored the importance of enhancing domestic coal production to safeguard India's energy security.  End

IST, or Indian Standard Time, is five-and-a-half hours ahead of GMT

Reported by Avishek Rakshit

Edited by Akul Nishant Akhoury

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