New Delhi: Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, today inaugurated the 11th round of Commercial Coal Mine auctions, offering 27 coal blocks across six states, including Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh. The auction includes both fully and partially explored mines, featuring one coking coal mine.
During the event, the Ministry of Coal also formalized agreements with successful bidders from the 10th round of auctions. These mines, once operational, are expected to generate an annual revenue of ₹1,446 crore and create employment opportunities for approximately 19,000 people.
G. Kishan Reddy highlighted the strategic importance of coal in India’s energy framework, describing it as essential for power generation and energy security. He underscored the transformative role of coal block auctions in reducing dependency on imports and achieving the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to sustainable mining practices, including the exclusion of protected areas, wildlife sanctuaries, and heavily forested zones from the auction process. Additionally, block boundaries were revised to exclude densely populated areas and critical infrastructure, enhancing the appeal of the coal mines for potential investors.
Beyond economic benefits, Reddy stressed the socio-economic impact of coal mining, such as employment generation, improved infrastructure, and enhanced education and healthcare in mining regions. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to uplifting local communities while maintaining environmental standards.
The Minister also highlighted the ₹8,500 crore Financial Incentive Scheme for Coal and Lignite Gasification projects, which aims to achieve 100 million tonnes of coal gasification by 2030. This initiative seeks to reduce reliance on imported natural gas and lower carbon emissions, marking a pivotal step toward cleaner energy solutions.
In his keynote address, Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, emphasized the role of policy reforms in fostering innovation and reducing production costs while meeting the nation’s growing energy demands. He praised inter-ministerial collaborations and modernization efforts, such as First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects, which aim to expedite coal transportation and minimize environmental impact.
Additional Secretary and Nominated Authority, Rupinder Brar, stressed the importance of private investment in exploring new coal blocks to meet rising energy demands. Encouraging private participation, she noted, is vital for achieving higher production targets and ensuring a steady coal supply to industries.
The sale of tender documents for the 11th round of auctions commenced today. Detailed information about the mines, auction terms, and timelines can be accessed on the MSTC auction platform. The transparent two-stage auction process will be based on a Percentage Revenue Share model.