Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, inaugurated the Coal India Limited (CIL) pavilion at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal and CIL Chairman Shri Sanoj Kumar Jha, Joint Secretary Shri Sanjeev Kumar Kassi, Joint Secretary Shri Lakhpat Singh Choudhary and other senior officials from the Ministry of Coal and CIL were also present.

The CIL pavilion showcases India’s progress in energy security, diversification and sustainable mining practices. Key exhibits include demonstrations of opencast mining techniques, the application of artificial intelligence in coal mining and the functioning of Integrated Command and Control Centres at CIL subsidiary headquarters. The use of AI has significantly strengthened operational efficiency and safety compliance across mining operations.

A live virtual reality (VR) demonstration offers visitors an immersive experience of modern mining environments. VR is being adopted as a safer, cost-effective and highly engaging tool for operational and safety training, particularly in hazardous conditions.

A major focus of the pavilion is the Ministry of Coal’s coal-gasification initiative, positioned as a critical enabler of India’s clean-coal strategy. The pavilion also highlights CIL’s CSR programmes and its eco-tourism initiatives designed in alignment with ecological restoration principles.

CIL’s ongoing efforts to secure critical minerals—such as lithium and cobalt—both within India and abroad, were also showcased. These minerals are vital to high-growth industries, and the initiative aims to reduce India’s import dependence while strengthening the country’s strategic resource security.

The IITF provides an important platform for CIL to engage with industry stakeholders, partners and the public, fostering transparency and greater awareness of its contributions to national development. The Ministry of Coal and CIL reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring India’s energy security while advancing sustainable and self-reliant growth.