New Delhi:The Ministry of Coal marked a pivotal milestone on August 21, 2025, by launching the 13th round of commercial coal mine auctions in New Delhi. Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, and Minister of State, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, presided over the event, highlighting sweeping sectoral reforms and historic coal production achievements.
Transformative Reforms and Growing Investments
Minister Reddy celebrated India’s feat of crossing one billion tonnes of coal output in FY 2025, underscoring the effect of reforms unleashed since 2015. Transparent auctions, expanded private sector participation, and technology adoption have propelled:
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Auctioning of 134 mining blocks in 12 prior rounds, generating ₹41,600 crore in investments.
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Over 3.5 lakh jobs created, reshaping India’s energy landscape.
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India’s emergence as a global coal sector champion, strengthening the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
The current 13th round features 14 new coal blocks: 4 under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act (CMSP) and 10 under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR), with three additional mines from a previous tranche. Ten mines are fully explored and ready for immediate development, and four are partially explored, offering substantial long-term opportunities.
Emphasis on Clean Coal Technologies
Highlighting the immense untapped deep-seated coal reserves (approx. 370 billion tonnes), Minister Reddy and officials outlined the push for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG). UCG transforms unmineable coal into syngas in situ, facilitating:
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Reduced surface impact and land use,
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Access to otherwise unreachable resources,
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Cleaner, more sustainable coal utilization.
The Ministry has announced an ₹8,500 crore incentive scheme for coal gasification, with seven pilot projects and dedicated support structures to attract private investment and speed up technology adoption.
Environmental Sustainability and Community Focus
Ministers and officials stressed sustainable mine closure, afforestation, and inclusive community development. Initiatives like “Ek Ped Maa ke Naam” were spotlighted, emphasizing mine rehabilitation, ecological stewardship, and local livelihood generation.
Growth, Transparency, and Ease of Doing Business
India’s coal auctions have fostered a transparent and investor-friendly environment. The Ministry remains committed to:
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Prompt environmental/forest clearances,
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Streamlined regulatory processes,
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Continuous policy feedback from stakeholders,
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Responsible mining practices and job creation.
Conclusion- Ministry Of Coal
The 13th round of commercial coal mine auctions marks a new era in India’s energy sector. With a focus on innovation, transparency, cleaner coal technologies, and community welfare, India is laying the foundation for sustainable energy self-reliance and robust economic growth.
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Source: PIB
