India Launches 13th Commercial Coal Mine Auction Round

22 Aug 2025 CW Team

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.

The launch marks another step towards unlocking investments, ensuring responsible mining, and strengthening India’s coal sector. By combining transparency, sustainability, and private participation, the Ministry aims to secure India’s energy future while balancing growth with environmental stewardship.

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.The launch marks another step towards unlocking investments, ensuring responsible mining, and strengthening India’s coal sector. By combining transparency, sustainability, and private participation, the Ministry aims to secure India’s energy future while balancing growth with environmental stewardship.

Infrastructure Energy

17 Dec 2025

Vedanta Aluminium Uses 1.57 bn Units of Green Energy in FY25

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, recently reported consumption of 1.57 billion units of renewable energy in FY25, marking a significant milestone in its 2030 decarbonisation roadmap. The company also achieved an 8.96 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity compared to FY21, reinforcing its leadership in India’s low-carbon manufacturing transition. During FY25, Vedanta Aluminium expanded its renewable energy portfolio through long-term power purchase agreements, strengthening its strategy to source nearly 1,500 MW of renewable power over the lon..

Real Estate

17 Dec 2025

Oberoi Group to Develop Luxury Resort at Makaibari Tea Estate

EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group, has announced the signing of a management agreement to develop an Oberoi luxury resort at the iconic Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling. The project marks a key milestone in the Group’s long-term strategy of creating distinctive hospitality experiences in rare and environmentally significant locations. Established in 1859, Makaibari is one of the world’s oldest tea estates and is globally recognised for its Himalayan landscape, primary forests and exceptional biodiversity. Spread across 1,236 acres, the estate houses one of the world�..

Real Estate

17 Dec 2025

GHV Infra Secures Rs 1.09 Bn EPC Order in Jamshedpur

GHV Infra Projects Ltd, a fast-growing EPC company in India’s infrastructure and construction sector, has recently secured a Rs 1.09 billion work order in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Awarded by a reputed group entity, the contract covers end-to-end civil construction, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, along with high-quality finishing works for a large building development. The project will be executed over a 30-month period, with defined benchmarks for quality, safety and timely delivery. The order strengthens GHV Infra’s footprint in Jamshedpur, a key industrial hub known fo..