Cabinet okays Ordinance removing end-use restrictions in coal mine auctions

The decision taken by the Cabinet Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also do away with end-use restrictions of the mining blocks

In a bid to attract investments and boost domestic coal production, the government on Wednesday approved promulgation of an ordinance to open up coal mining in the country to non-coal companies while removing restrictions on end-use of the fuel.

The Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi also gave its nod for concluding auction of iron ore and other mineral mines before the expiry of their current mining lease on March 31, so as to avoid disruption in production.

Briefing reporters, Coal and Mines Minister Prahlad Joshi said the Cabinet has approved promulgation of Mineral Laws (Amendment) Ordinance 2020 to amend