The government has paved the way for the establishment of Coal Exchanges in India under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2025, a move intended to modernise the country’s coal supply chain and create a transparent, market-driven trading ecosystem. The law introduced the concept of a Mineral Exchange and empowered the Central Government to facilitate transparent and efficient trading of minerals, including coal and processed forms. In line with the legislation, the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026, were notified to provide the regulatory framework for setting up and operating coal trading platforms.

The Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) was designated in December 2025 as the authority responsible for registering and regulating Coal Exchanges, and eligible entities will be authorised by the CCO to establish and operate exchanges. Registered operators will be able to frame market rules and bye-laws, manage listings and trading mechanisms, and facilitate the flow of coal between producers and buyers. Registrations will be granted for a period of 25 years.

The framework marks a shift from a traditional one-to-many sales model to a competitive many-to-many trading platform designed to broaden market access for commercial and captive miners. The move is expected to enable transparent and market-based price discovery, improve operational efficiency, and provide producers with access to a wider pool of buyers. Public sector coal companies are also anticipated to increase market participation through the platform.

The initiative is presented as part of a broader effort to enhance ease of doing business, promote transparency and build a modern, self-reliant energy ecosystem. Officials argued that a more competitive and efficient coal market will strengthen energy security, support industrial growth and contribute to the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat through sustainable economic development. Inputs to the announcement included reporting contributions from IANS.