Coal Ministry

ECL urges staff to boost coal output to meet annual production targets

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

Coal ministry signs development agreements with DVC for three blocks

The three projects are expected to create around 66,248 direct and indirect employment opportunities, fostering livelihood generation and regional development in the coal-bearing areas

Record domestic coal output helps India save nearly $8 bn in imports

Capex crosses target by 44%

Govt amends Colliery Control Rules to ease opening coal, lignite mines

Government has amended the Colliery Control Rules to remove the CCO's prior permission for opening coal and lignite mines, aiming to cut delays and simplify approvals

Five first-time bidders enter 14th round of commercial coal auctions

Five companies bid for coal blocks for the first time as the 14th round of commercial coal auctions drew 49 bids for 24 blocks, signalling continued private interest in mining

Coal, mining sector set for busy 2026 as reforms target energy security

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

Coal ministry proposes strict ownership, net worth norms for Coal Exchange

Under the draft framework, the applicant must be a demutualised company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013

Coal ministry proposes strict ownership, net worth norms for Coal Exchange

Under the draft framework, the applicant must be a demutualised company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013

Govt likely to remove 50% cap on sales of coal from captive mines

Under the current provisions, captive mine operators are allowed to sell only up to 50 per cent of their annual coal or lignite output after meeting the requirements of their linked end-use plants

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

Govt notifies 18 private agencies to fast track coal, lignite exploration

New accreditations aim to cut delays, give allottees more choice and speed up coal and lignite mine development

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

Govt invites applications for quality audit as Coal Exchange takes shape

Coal ministry has issued an RFQ to empanel third-party agencies for sampling and quality audits for coal and lignite traded on the upcoming Coal Exchange, marking a key regulatory step in the rollout

Coal Ministry to launch 14th mine auction, unveil digital portals

The 14th round introduces Underground Coal Gasification for the first time and launches digital platforms CLAMP and Koyla Shakti to boost transparency and efficiency

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

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

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

Govt floats draft Coal Mines Employees Provident Fund Bill for discussion

The Coal Ministry's draft Bill seeks to replace the 1948 law, modernise the provident fund framework, and align miners' welfare schemes with new labour codes

Coal ministry pushes early completion of critical evacuation projects

During the meeting, the coal companies informed the ministry's additional secretary about various issues related to land acquisition, forest clearances, and compensation for landowners

Govt to launch ₹8,500 cr scheme, coal block policy for gasification

The government will roll out an Rs 8,500 crore incentive scheme and a dedicated coal block allocation framework to promote gasification, with private and foreign players showing interest