Union Minister says India needs to ramp up coal production

India needs to increase its domestic coal production to meet the demand for fuel and reduce import dependency. Union Coal and Mines Minister, Pralhad Joshi, has estimated the need for coal to double by 2040 with the rise in electric vehicles and the electricity demand. The target of the coal ministry is to minimise thermal coal imports and make the country 'Aatmanirbhar'. Extractable reserves in closed or abandoned coal mines are around 380 million tonne of which 30-40 million tonne can be easily extracted, according to his insights, adding that continuation of mining activities will help in increasing coal supply while also creating employment opportunities for the locals. CIL is planning to offer its 20 closed or abandoned underground coal mines to the private sector to reopen and bring into production on the revenue-sharing model.