State-owned Coal India Ltd (CIL) is set to launch 36 new mining projects over the next five years, according to Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy.

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Reddy also noted that Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) plans to develop seven new mines, while NLC India Ltd (NLCIL) is expected to open two new blocks during the same period.

The Coal Ministry has allocated 175 coal blocks to date, of which 65 have received mine-opening permissions, and 54 are currently operational. (ET)