Stakeholder consultation highlights reforms, technology adoption and sustainable mining as key pillars for a self-reliant coal sector
TFP Bureau, New Delhi, April 17,2026: The Union Ministry of Coal on Thursday launched the 15th round of commercial coal mine auctions while hosting a high-level stakeholder consultation aimed at strengthening India’s energy security and advancing the vision of self-reliance in the coal sector.
The consultation, themed “Atmanirbhar Bharat: Coal for Energy Security,” brought together policymakers, industry leaders, experts, and representatives from academia to deliberate on policy reforms, technological innovations, sustainability measures, and the future roadmap of the coal industry.
The event was attended by senior officials including Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, who launched the auction round, along with Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary and Nominated Authority, and Sajeesh Kumar N, Coal Controller. Several representatives from the mining industry and other stakeholders also participated in the discussions.
11 Coal Blocks Offered in New Auction Round
Under the 15th round of commercial coal mine auctions, the government has offered 11 coal blocks, including seven fully explored mines and four partially explored blocks. Of these, three mines are being auctioned under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015, while eight mines fall under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
Among the blocks on offer, one contains coking coal, which is critical for the steel industry, while the remaining ten are non-coking coal blocks primarily catering to sectors such as power generation and other industries dependent on thermal coal. Additionally, six coal mines from the second attempt of the 13th round of auctions have also been included in the process.
The mines are located across several coal-bearing states including Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana. The government expects the auction process to attract significant private investment, enhance domestic coal availability and create employment opportunities in these regions.
Strong Momentum in Commercial Mining Reforms
Addressing the gathering, Vikram Dev Dutt said the reforms in India’s coal sector are aligned with the vision of Narendra Modi to strengthen transparency, efficiency and competitiveness. He noted that the introduction of the commercial coal mining framework in 2020 marked a transformative shift by allowing private sector participation and encouraging greater competition in the industry.
Highlighting the progress made so far, Dutt said the ministry has successfully auctioned 135 coal mines across 13 rounds, with a combined Peak Rated Capacity (PRC) of about 325 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). He added that investor participation has steadily increased in each successive round, reflecting growing confidence in the sector’s policy framework and long-term potential.
He stressed that close coordination between central ministries, state governments and industry stakeholders is crucial for simplifying regulatory procedures, removing operational bottlenecks and creating an enabling ecosystem for mining investments.
Focus on Sustainability and Community Welfare
The Coal Secretary also emphasised that the ministry’s strategy goes beyond production and includes sustainability, technological innovation and community development. He highlighted the importance of scientific mine closure practices, which aim to transform mined-out areas into productive landscapes that support ecological restoration and community welfare.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, he said, have played a significant role in improving living conditions in coal-bearing regions, and such efforts will continue to be strengthened to ensure inclusive development.
Coal Gasification and Technological Innovation
The consultation also focused on coal gasification, a technology that enables cleaner and more efficient use of coal resources. The government has introduced policy incentives such as viability gap funding to promote coal gasification projects and has already offered blocks for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) in previous auction rounds.
Officials said that advancing such technologies will help reduce environmental impact while enhancing value addition in the coal sector.
Call for Balanced Growth and Environmental Responsibility
In her opening remarks, Rupinder Brar underlined the need to accelerate coal production while maintaining a balance between economic growth, environmental sustainability and community welfare. She noted that India is currently the second-largest coal producer globally, yet the sector still holds significant untapped potential.
Brar highlighted that reforms aimed at transparency, policy stability and ease of doing business have attracted new investments and strengthened competition in the mining sector. She also emphasised the importance of responsible land use after mining operations, ensuring that reclaimed areas become assets for local communities.
Roadmap for a Modern Coal Sector
During the consultation, stakeholders participated in detailed discussions covering technological adoption, innovation in mining practices, worker welfare, land repurposing, rehabilitation and resettlement, and the promotion of greener mining methods.
Experts noted that a collaborative approach involving government, industry and local communities will be essential for building a modern, sustainable and globally competitive coal sector.
The Ministry of Coal said the 15th round of auctions represents another important step toward expanding domestic coal production, attracting fresh investments and strengthening India’s long-term energy security while aligning with the broader vision of a resilient and self-reliant energy ecosystem.
