India to triple underground coal mining for energy needs
COAL & MINING

India to triple underground coal mining for energy needs

India is aiming to rejuvenate underground coal mining in an effort to increase production and address the country's rapidly growing energy requirements, despite global pressure to reduce the use of the environmentally harmful fossil fuel.

According to Amrit Lal Meena, a senior official at India's coal ministry, the country is experiencing significant industrial and economic expansion, stating, "India is on a high-orbit growth trajectory." He emphasised that coal continues to be a pivotal factor in India's economic progress and overall development.

The coal ministry has outlined its intentions to triple the output from underground coal mines by 2028. This involves plans to auction new blocks, expedite environmental clearance procedures, and introduce incentives to encourage both foreign investment and domestic equipment manufacturing.

India, the world's second-largest coal producer, currently derives 95 percent of its coal from opencast mines situated on the surface, relying on this fuel source for approximately three-quarters of its power generation.

Despite the prevalent use of opencast mining, underground tunnel mining, which is more common in countries like China and Australia, has experienced a sharp decline in recent decades due to increased costs and associated risks.

The decision to intensify underground mining efforts aligns with India's pursuit of new coal sources to meet the escalating energy demands of the world's most populous country and the fastest-growing large economy.

India is aiming to rejuvenate underground coal mining in an effort to increase production and address the country's rapidly growing energy requirements, despite global pressure to reduce the use of the environmentally harmful fossil fuel. According to Amrit Lal Meena, a senior official at India's coal ministry, the country is experiencing significant industrial and economic expansion, stating, India is on a high-orbit growth trajectory. He emphasised that coal continues to be a pivotal factor in India's economic progress and overall development. The coal ministry has outlined its intentions to triple the output from underground coal mines by 2028. This involves plans to auction new blocks, expedite environmental clearance procedures, and introduce incentives to encourage both foreign investment and domestic equipment manufacturing. India, the world's second-largest coal producer, currently derives 95 percent of its coal from opencast mines situated on the surface, relying on this fuel source for approximately three-quarters of its power generation. Despite the prevalent use of opencast mining, underground tunnel mining, which is more common in countries like China and Australia, has experienced a sharp decline in recent decades due to increased costs and associated risks. The decision to intensify underground mining efforts aligns with India's pursuit of new coal sources to meet the escalating energy demands of the world's most populous country and the fastest-growing large economy.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Aadhaar Authentications Cross 27 Billion in FY25

Aadhaar authentication transactions surged past 27.07 billion in FY 2024–25, including 2.47 billion in March alone, reflecting its growing adoption across sectors such as banking, finance, telecom, and public service delivery. Since its inception, the cumulative number of Aadhaar authentication transactions has exceeded 148 billion.The Unique Identification Authority of India’s (UIDAI) AI/ML-based face authentication technology is also witnessing a sharp rise in usage. In March 2025 alone, over 150 million face authentication transactions were recorded. This biometric modality is now used ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

IEPFA Holds Preparatory Meet for 'Niveshak Shivir' Initiative

The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, hosted a preparatory meeting on April 28, 2025, with Nodal Officers from stakeholder companies via video conference. The session, chaired by IEPFA CEO Smt. Anita Shah Akella, focused on finalising operational plans for the upcoming ""Niveshak Shivir"" initiative—a joint effort between IEPFA and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).""Niveshak Shivir"" aims to improve investor services and streamline the claims process by reaching out to cities with a high nu..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India, France Sign Deal for 26 Rafale-Marine Jets for Navy

India and France have signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy, comprising 22 single-seater and four twin-seater jets. The deal also includes training systems, simulators, associated equipment, weapons, and performance-based logistics, along with additional equipment for the Indian Air Force’s existing Rafale fleet.The IGA was signed by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Minister of Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu. The agreement, along with supply protocols for aircraft and weapons, was exchanged in the..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?