India Drives Coal and Mineral Reforms for Green Growth

30 Sep 2025 CW Team

India is undertaking major reforms in its coal and mineral sectors to meet growing energy needs while advancing sustainability goals, Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy stated. Domestic coal production surpassed 1 billion tonnes in 2024–25 and is projected to reach 1.6 billion tonnes by 2030.

Reddy highlighted the Coal Gasification Mission, targeting 100 million tonnes by 2030, supported by an Rs 8.5 billion incentive scheme, with seven projects already underway. Coal PSUs are diversifying into renewables, having added 1,900 MW of solar and wind capacity, aiming for 15 GW by 2030, with Neyveli Lignite Corporation contributing 10.11 GW.

On environmental initiatives, over 57,000 hectares of mined land have been reclaimed, with another 16,000 hectares targeted under Mission GREEN Coal Regions by 2030.

The minister noted that 542 mineral blocks, including 34 critical minerals, have been auctioned. Private and junior exploration agencies are now involved, supported by drone surveys, AI modelling, and remote sensing, with 13 exploration licences already granted.

Under the National Critical Minerals Mission, strategic stockpiles are being built and overseas assets secured. State-run KABIL has acquired lithium blocks in Argentina, while Rs 1.5 billion is allocated for domestic recycling and Centres of Excellence to boost research.

Reddy emphasised that coal will remain central to India’s energy mix even as renewables and critical mineral exploration expand.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Aug 2026

Surya Roshni delivers customised lighting for NCRTC RRTS stations

Surya Roshni has supplied customised indoor lighting solutions for 18 elevated stations on the National Capital Region Transport Corporation's (NCRTC) Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS), strengthening its presence in India's infrastructure lighting segment.The project involved the design and deployment of lighting systems for platforms, concourses, foot overbridges (FOBs) and back-of-house (BOH) areas. According to the company, the luminaires were developed specifically to meet NCRTC's design, operational and performance requirements rather than using standard products.Surya introduced two custo..

Hilton debuts Tapestry Collection brand in Vietnam

Hilton has opened NHAAN Resort & Spa Hoi An, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, marking the debut of the Tapestry Collection brand in Vietnam and expanding its lifestyle hospitality portfolio in Southeast Asia.Located along the Co Co River in Cam Thanh village, the 174-key resort provides access to Hoi An Ancient Town, Cua Dai Beach and the Cam Thanh Nipa Forest. The property has been designed by Vietnamese architect Vo Trong Nghia, incorporating biophilic architecture, locally sourced materials and riverfront landscapes.The resort offers a mix of guest rooms and suites, including family-frien..

Electrent expands lithium energy storage system portfolio

Electrent Energy has expanded its lithium-based energy storage portfolio with the launch of the ESS 850 and ESS 1050, targeting compact and maintenance-free power backup solutions for Indian homes.The new systems integrate a Home UPS and a LiFePO4 lithium battery into a single unit, extending the company's product range following the launch of its ESS 1350 and ESS 2500 models.Designed for apartments and smaller homes, the ESS 850 provides up to 1 hour 15 minutes of backup, while the ESS 1050 offers up to 1 hour 45 minutes on a typical 400 W household load. The systems can power essential appli..