Union Minister G Kishan Reddy to Launch 10th Round of Commercial Coal Block Auctions

New Delhi: In a significant move towards achieving energy independence by 2047 and ensuring “Atma-Nirbharta (self-reliance) in coal,” Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, will launch the 10th round of Commercial Coal Block Auctions next week. The announcement aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of attaining energy self-sufficiency.

Minister Reddy has emphasized the need for complete transparency and revenue maximization in this auction round. Approximately 62 coal blocks will be offered without end-user restrictions, allowing the allocattee to sell the coal produced in the free market.

The Commercial Coal Block Auction initiative, which began under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in June 2020, has seen significant progress. Over the past nine rounds, the Ministry of Coal has successfully auctioned 107 coal blocks, achieving a peak rated capacity of 256 MT.

To date, 11 commercial coal blocks have become operational, producing 17.5 MT of coal last year. This marks a substantial step towards reducing dependence on coal imports and bolstering domestic production.

In a bid to facilitate the auction process, the Ministry of Coal has developed a coal block portal on the PM Gatishakti National Master Plan. This portal provides bidders with proper visibility of geographical features, streamlining the auction process and ensuring informed decision-making.

Key Highlights:

• Launch of the 10th round of Commercial Coal Block Auctions by Union Minister G Kishan Reddy.
• Approximately 62 blocks to be offered without end-user restrictions.
• Emphasis on transparency and revenue maximization.
• Coal produced from these blocks can be sold in the free market.
• Since June 2020, 107 coal blocks have been auctioned with a peak rated capacity of 256 MT.
• 11 operational commercial coal blocks produced 17.5 MT of coal last year.
• Development of a coal block portal on the PM Gatishakti National Master Plan for enhanced bidder visibility.