In a landmark move to strengthen India’s energy security and boost domestic coal production, the Ministry of Coal has launched the 13th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions in New Delhi. The event was inaugurated by Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, with Minister of State Satish Chandra Dubey as Guest of Honour.

During his address, Minister Reddy celebrated India’s achievement of surpassing 1 billion tonnes of coal production in FY25, crediting reforms initiated since 2015. These include transparent auction regimes, private sector participation, and technological modernisation, which have transformed the coal sector into a key driver of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

So far, 134 mines have been auctioned across 12 rounds, drawing investments of Rs 416 billion and generating over 350,000 jobs. The 13th round introduces 14 coal blocks aimed at reducing import dependence and conserving foreign exchange.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of diversifying into coal gasification. With over 40 per cent of India’s coal reserves (370 billion tonnes) lying too deep for conventional mining, Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) offers a path to unlock syngas production in situ, reducing land disturbance and enabling cleaner use of coal.

Reddy urged successful bidders to expedite production to avail incentives, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to fast-tracking clearances, removing bottlenecks, and ensuring ease of doing business. He underlined the government’s vision of “Reform, Perform, Transform” to achieve efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.

Minister of State Dubey echoed the call for sustainable practices, emphasising mine closure, afforestation, and community welfare initiatives such as the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam plantation drive. He noted that transparent auctions, industry-friendly policies, and private sector participation will enhance coal output, attract investment, and generate jobs.

Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt provided a sectoral overview, reaffirming support for clean coal technologies. He announced a Rs 85 billion incentive scheme to promote coal gasification, with seven projects already selected. This, he said, will accelerate adoption, attract investment, and position India as a leader in clean coal technology.

The Additional Secretary, Rupinder Brar, highlighted the transformative role of UCG, enabling the tapping of deep-seated reserves while minimising environmental impact.

In this round, four mines are offered under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 (CMSP) and ten under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR). Of these, ten are fully explored and ready for development, while four are partially explored, providing long-term opportunities. Additionally, three mines from the previous tranche are being re-offered.