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Environment approvals for coal mine expansions eased to tackle fuel crisis

Coal supplies at power plants are shrinking amid a grueling heat wave that's pushed electricity demand to a record in recent weeks

coal, coal imports
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The environment ministry’s exemption is valid for mines that have already won approvals to expand output by 40% and will allow them to produce as much as 50% more than the original planned capacity.

Rajesh Kumar Singh | Bloomberg
India has eased environment approvals for coal mine expansions to boost output amid fuel shortages that have triggered hours-long blackouts. 

Some existing sites will be able to raise production by a further 10% without requiring new impact assessments and rules on consulting local residents have been loosened, according to a government note. The changes come after the coal ministry flagged “huge pressure on domestic coal supply,” the message said.

Coal supplies at power plants are shrinking amid a grueling heat wave that’s pushed electricity demand to a record in recent weeks, with several facilities operating with critical reserves of the fuel, power