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TFP Bureau, New Delhi; February 8, 2024: The Government has undertaken several initiatives to bolster domestic coal production, aiming to meet the growing demand for coal in the country. The production figures of coal over the past five years, along with measures implemented by the Government to enhance production, were presented by Union Minister of Coal, Mines, and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Pralhad Joshi, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
Production Figures:
– 2018-19: 728.72 Million Tonnes
– 2019-20: 730.87 Million Tonnes
– 2020-21: 716.08 Million Tonnes
– 2021-22: 778.21 Million Tonnes
– 2022-23: 893.19 Million Tonnes
– 2023-24 (up to January, 2024): 784.10* Million Tonnes (* Provisional)
Government Initiatives:
1. Regular Reviews by Ministry of Coal: The Ministry of Coal conducts regular reviews to expedite the development of coal blocks, ensuring timely operationalization.
2. Enactment of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021: The amendment enables captive mine owners to sell up to 50% of their annual mineral production, including coal, in the open market after fulfilling the end-use requirements.
3. Single Window Clearance Portal: A portal dedicated to the coal sector expedites the operationalization of coal mines by streamlining approval processes.
4. Project Monitoring Unit: A dedicated unit assists coal block allottees in obtaining approvals and clearances, facilitating the early operationalization of coal mines.
5. Auction of Commercial Mining: The Government launched the auction of commercial mining on a revenue-sharing basis in 2020, offering incentives such as rebates and allowing 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through automatic routes.
Initiatives by Coal Companies:
Coal India Limited (CIL): CIL is actively expanding and modernizing its mines, adopting mass production technologies and state-of-the-art equipment to enhance efficiency.
Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL): SCCL is focused on developing infrastructure for coal evacuation, including coal handling plants and crushers, to optimize operational efficiency.
These concerted efforts by the Government and coal companies underscore their commitment to increasing domestic coal production, ensuring energy security and driving economic growth.
