The Ministry of Coal organised a high level stakeholder consultation on accelerating domestic coal production on 17 March 2026, bringing together senior government and industry representatives. The meeting was attended by the Union Minister of Coal and Mines, the Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, senior officials, private participants and industry experts. The consultation aimed to deliberate on strategies for faster mine development, operationalisation and strengthened energy security.

The Union Minister underlined that India must move beyond incremental measures towards the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, guided by a reform perform transform and inform approach that seeks continuous and comprehensive reforms across the coal value chain. He urged removal of systemic bottlenecks to enhance production, improve supply efficiency and ensure seamless processes from exploration and auctions through operations to scientific mine closure. The minister also advocated promotion of coal gasification and anticipated significant growth in private sector participation in coal production.

The Secretary observed that sustained policy driven reforms have transformed the coal sector into a more transparent, competitive and efficient ecosystem, strengthening ease of doing business and providing regulatory clarity. Landmark initiatives noted included commercial coal mining, the Single Window Clearance System and digital reforms that have supported faster mine operationalisation and efficient resource extraction. These measures were reported to be reducing import dependence and fostering industry collaboration in pursuit of national objectives.

The Additional Secretary presented reforms and data, noting that coal output from captive and commercial mines crossed 200 million tonnes (200 mn t) this financial year, with production growing at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 30 per cent from FY 2021 to FY 2025. She outlined reforms to ease exploration and preparation of geological reports, speed approval of mining plans, simplify environmental and forest clearances and expedite mine opening permissions, and emphasised incentives and technology adoption to promote underground mining. The consultation concluded with stakeholders agreeing on the need for sustained policy support, innovation in mining practices and closer government industry collaboration to accelerate production and enhance the sector's long term sustainability.