Coal Industry

Coal India's production drops by 3.7% in Apr-Nov period to 453.5 mn tonnes

State-owned CIL's coal production dropped by 3.7 per cent to 453.5 million tonnes (MT) in the April-November period of the current financial year, even as the government is taking several steps to ramp up domestic output and bring down the reliance on imports. Coal India Ltd (CIL), which accounts for over 80 per cent of domestic coal output, produced 471 MT of fossil fuel in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. However, the company's production rose by 1.2 per cent to 68 MT during the last month, over 67.2 MT in November last fiscal. In the financial year 2024-25, CIL produced 781.1 MT of coal, nearly 7 per cent below the company's target for the year. Coal India Ltd's coal production target for 2024-25 was 838 million tonnes. The company is targeting a production of 875 million tonnes and an offtake of 900 MT in the 2025-26 financial year. Coal India Ltd had earlier said that it would aspire to reach its production target of 875 MT in the current fiscal year. Coal

Centre simplifies approval process for exploration of coal, lignite

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

Motilal Oswal flags NTPC Coal-to-Gas boost, but cautions on execution

According to MOFSL, the proposed 5-10 mt/annum coal-to-SNG plant marks a strategic pivot that may improve PLFs, boost energy security, and potentially create new revenue streams.

Coal Ministry auctions three coal blocks in 13th commercial round

The Coal Ministry has auctioned three fully explored blocks with 3.3 billion tonnes of reserves and 49 mt annual capacity, attracting Rs 7,350 crore investment and boosting commercial mining momentum

Market study on listing of Coal India arms underway: G Kishan Reddy

Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy on Friday said market study with regard to listing of Coal India arms BCCL and CMPDI is underway and their listing will take place at the right time. A few months back Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL) and Coal Mine Planning & Design Institute (CMPDI) filed draft red herring prospectus with capital markets regulator SEBI, as well as BSE and NSE, for its proposed initial public offering. Talking to reporters during the inauguration of mines ministry pavilion at India International Trade Fair (IITF) here the minister said, "We are doing market study and after doing that we will go for listing at the right time." "As our experts, consulting agencies are doing market study, we will go for it after they take a decision on it," he added. The minister also said that he reviewed the performance of all PSUs in the coal sector on Thursday. He also said there is sufficient coal available for all the sectors including power and as the demand for coal surges, the ...

Coal India chief calls for overhaul to stay relevant in changing landscape

Newly appointed Coal India Limited (CIL) Chairman Sanoj Kr Jha called for an "overhaul" of the state-run miner's business model and systems. He also emphasised on emerging production methods, stressing that the organisation must adapt swiftly to stay relevant amid the global shift towards renewable energy. "The world is not the same as it was 50 years ago, when coal was the primary source of energy. Renewable energy and many other competitors have come up," Jha said while addressing employees and stakeholders during CIL's 50th anniversary celebration in Kolkata on Saturday, marking his first day in the organisation. Jha, who is also Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Coal, said the sector is at a "turning point" and must evolve beyond traditional methods of operation. "We have to change our entire system, all of our current business models, and the method of production. The minister constantly reminds us that Coal India and all PSUs must come out of the mindset that they can .

Coal exchange rules to be finalised by November-end: Coal Secretary

The draft rules for the country's proposed coal exchange will be finalised by the end of November after examining feedback received from the public, Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt said on Thursday. "The draft coal exchange rules are in the public domain. Comments have come, and we are examining those. The rules will be finalised by the end of November," Dutt told reporters on the sidelines of the Asia Mining Congress here. The proposed coal exchange aims to bring transparency, efficiency and a market-driven mechanism to domestic coal trading. According to the draft rules, the coal controller organisation (CCO) will be appointed to register and regulate the coal exchanges to be established in the country. The Ministry of Coal had invited comments from stakeholders by mid-October. On the disinvestment front, Dutt said the process for Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL) and Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Ltd (CMPDIL) has made significant progress. "We have moved ahead in this

CoalMin proposes escrow fund for underground coal gasification blocks

Stakeholders have 30 days to submit comments on draft rules mandating pilot feasibility studies, real-time groundwater tracking, and escrow funds for UCG mine closure

NCC bags ₹6,828 crore order from Coal India arm to extract, transport coal

NCC Ltd on Saturday said it has bagged a Rs 6,828.94 crore order from Coal India arm Central Coalfields to extract and transport coal and overburden from one of the mining projects in Jharkhand. In a regulatory filing, the company said it has received a letter of acceptance dated October 24 from Central Coalfields Ltd (CCL) regarding this. The extraction and transportation of overburden and coal will have to be done from the Amrapali open-cast project of CCL in the Chandragupt area of Jharkhand, NCC said in the regulatory filing. NCC will hire Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) for the removal of 413.59 M CuM of OB (overburden), extraction of 233.325 MT coal and transportation to Shivpur siding and surface stock yard under different lead slabs and wagon loading of 139.995 MT of coal at Shivpur siding at Amrapali OCP, Chandragupt Area, the filing said. NCC Ltd is a construction company involved in diversified activities, including buildings, transportation, water and environment, .

Coal Ministry issues vesting orders for three new commercial mines

Total revenue from commercial coal mines projected at ₹37,700 crore annually as three new blocks are vested under the latest round of coal auctions

Coal India arm SECL's 12 mining projects running behind schedule

Coal India arm SECL's 12 coal mining projects are running behind schedule due to reasons like delays in green clearances and possession of land. These projects have been facing delays even as the government is focussing on boosting domestic coal production to reduce imports. South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL) is a Mini Ratna public sector enterprise. Of the said projects, three mines cost Rs 500 crore and above, five Rs 150 crore and above but less than Rs 500 crore, two Rs 100 crore and above but less than Rs 150 crore, one Rs 50 crore and above but less than Rs 100 crore and one Rs 20 crore and above but less than Rs 50 crore, according to the company's report. Some of these projects are Amadand open cast mine, Amgaon open cast project, and Vijay West underground mine, it said. However, 18 projects are on schedule. "A total of 30 ongoing projects (18 projects on schedule and 12 projects facing delays) in SECL are under different stages of implementation," it said. Projects co

Govt expands definition of indigenous tech under gasification scheme

The Ministry of Coal allows foreign-collaborated technologies adapted in India to qualify as indigenous under the coal and lignite gasification incentive scheme

India's coal imports drops 0.6% to 20.58 MT in August, coking coal rises

India's coal import dropped by marginal 0.6 per cent to 20.58 million tonne in the month of August, over the year-ago period. The country's coal import was 20.70 MT in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal. In the April-August period of FY26, the coal import dropped to 118.07 MT from 121.18 MT a year ago, according to data compiled by B2B e-commerce solution provider mjunction services. Of the total imports in August, non-coking coal volume stood at 11.55 MT, against 13.04 MT a year ago. Coking coal import was at 4.82 MT against 4.53 MT imported in August last fiscal. During April-August FY26, non-coking coal import was at 72.17 MT, lower than 78.68 MT imported during the same period last fiscal. Coking coal import stood at 27.04 MT as against 24.79 MT a year ago. mjunction services CEO Vinaya Varma had earlier said that the coal demand before the festive period was subdued due to an extended monsoon, and the overall demand scenario is likely to remain sluggish in the ..

Centre proposes bill to replace Coal Mines PF Act, boost worker welfare

The Ministry of Coal said the proposed bill takes into account recent developments in labour codes, digitalisation, social security, wages, and working conditions

Coal India's first all-women-operated central store unit opens at SECL

The company spokesperson said that store operations will be conducted through a modern SAP-based digital management system, ensuring efficiency and transparency

Trump admin opens more land for coal, offers $625 mn for plant upgrades

The Trump administration said Monday it will open 13 million acres of federal lands for coal mining and provide USD 625 million to recommission or modernize coal-fired power plants as President Donald Trump continues his efforts to reverse the year-long decline in the US coal industry. Actions by the Energy and Interior departments and the Environmental Protection Agency follow executive orders Trump issued in April to revive coal, a reliable but polluting energy source that's long been shrinking amid environmental regulations and competition from cheaper natural gas. Environmental groups denounced announcement, which come as the Trump administration has clamped down on renewable energy, including freezing permits for offshore wind projects, ending clean energy tax credits and blocking wind and solar projects on federal lands. Under Trump's orders, the Energy Department has required fossil-fuelled power plants in Michigan and Pennsylvania to keep operating past their retirement date

Ministry issues draft rules allowing CCO to regulate proposed coal exchange

The government has come out with draft rules to form an organisation to regulate the functioning of the proposed coal exchange that will facilitate the trading of coal as a commodity. The proposed Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) will be a subordinate office of the coal ministry. Its responsibilities include coal mine closure activities to ensure environmental sustainability, collecting and disseminating coal statistics, inspecting collieries, issuing directives on coal grades, and acting as an appellate authority for grade-related disputes. "Ministry of coal proposes to appoint the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) to register and regulate the coal exchange(s) to be established in the country," says the draft coal exchange rules, 2025 on which the ministry has invited comments from stakeholders by mid-October. The operations of the coal exchange would broadly be government by the regulations made by CCO. The draft further said that the recent policy reforms in the coal sector h

Govt to offer big carbon capture incentives as coal stays key in energy mix

The initiative, aimed at promoting carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies, could offer funding support ranging from 50 per cent to 100 per cent for select projects

GST rate cut boosts Coal India's efforts to cut costly fuel imports

The tax changes "will make Coal India more competitive and better prepared to substitute imports," said Rupesh Sankhe, senior vice president for research at Elara Capital India Pvt

Coal import declines in July over weak demand, availability of high stock

India's coal import dropped 16.4 per cent to 21.08 million tonnes (MT) in July due to sluggish demand during monsoon and availability of high stock. The country's coal import was 25.23 million tonnes (MT) in the year-ago period. India's import during the April-July period of the current fiscal year also declined to 97.49 million tonnes over 100.48 million tonnes in the year-ago period, according to mjunction services, a B2B e-commerce platform and a joint venture between Tata Steel and SAIL. "There was a decline in volumes due to sluggish demand during monsoon and the high stock available in the system. We expect to see an uptick in demand before the festive season starting end-September," mjunction MD & CEO Vinaya Varma said. Of the total imports in July, non-coking coal import stood at 11.54 MT, against 16.52 MT imported in July last financial year. Coking coal import was at 5.85 MT, against 4.81 MT recorded during July last fiscal year. During the April-July period, non-coking