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Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy on Monday informed the Rajya Sabha that seven coal gasification projects will come up with an investment of Rs 64,000 crore in Maharashtra, Odisha and West Bengal and said this will help in reducing imports of energy products. Replying to supplementary queries during Question Hour, the minister highlighted that the Modi-government during the last 12 years has brought several reforms in the coal sector. Reddy said the coal blocks are being allotted through a transparent auction process, without any complaints and allegations. "There is no shortage of power in the country," he said, adding that 73-74 per cent of electricity is being generated through coal-based thermal plants. The minister said 80 per cent of coal production is being supplied to the power sector and the remaining to other sectors. Reddy highlighted that India is the second largest producer and consumer of coal. He said the country has the fifth largest coal reserve, which coul
Coal India subsidiary Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) has urged its employees to enhance production in the final quarter of the current fiscal to bridge the gap between targets and achievements, citing shortfalls in cumulative output till December. In a message to employees ahead of the 77th Republic Day, ECL CMD Satish Jha said cumulative coal production up to December 2025 stood at 33.482 million tonnes, below the proportionate target of 38.752 million tonnes, underscoring the need for accelerated production in the remaining months of the fiscal. The Coal India arm, however, said it remained on a strong operational footing, supported by robust overburden removal of 133.013 million cubic metres during the period, which it described as a key area of strength enabling higher coal output. Cumulative coal offtake during the April-December period stood at 33.666 million tonnes, helping ensure continuity of supplies and revenue flow. Calling for concerted efforts from employees, office
From the market listings of two subsidiaries of state-owned CIL to a surge in funding for ambitious coal gasification projects, the coal sector braces for a whirlwind of activities in 2026 that could redefine energy security amid the global push for cleaner fuels. With ambitious mining reforms, surging global demand for critical minerals, and the government's push, 2026 is likely to fuel the green energy boom, promising to unearth not just resources but also boost economic powerhouses. As India races toward its ambitious Viksit Bharat@2047 goals, the Centre is rolling out sweeping reforms in the coal and mining sector to bolster national energy security. These changes target key pain points like cumbersome approval processes, inefficient dispatch mechanisms, and safety protocols, aiming to create a resilient, self-reliant energy ecosystem. The initiatives will accelerate clean energy adoption, reduce import dependence, and ensure a stable power supply for a USD 30 trillion economy
The coal ministry has revised and simplified the approval process for exploration programmes and geological reports related to coal and lignite blocks, a move aimed at enhancing ease of doing business and giving a fillip to efficient and sustainable exploration. The new process does not require a go-ahead from the government panel set up in 2022 for this purpose. "The Ministry of Coal has reviewed the earlier methodology and simplified the mechanism for approval of exploration programs and Geological Reports (GRs) for coal and lignite blocks prepared by Notified Accredited Prospecting Agencies (APAs) accredited by QCI-NABET and peer-reviewed by another such APA," a statement from the ministry said. The country's increasing energy requirements demand faster, more efficient, and technologically robust exploration of coal and lignite resources. In line with this national imperative, the coal ministry continues to introduce progressive reforms that enhance transparency, strengthen priv