Coal Ministry launches 14th round of commercial coal mine auctions with new initiatives

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 28, 2025

Union Coal Ministry on Tuesday announced the launch of the 14th round of commercial coal mine auctions, offering a fresh set of fully explored and partially explored coal blocks for bidding. This round is set to attract a diverse group of bidders, including experienced miners, new entrants, and technology-driven enterprises, signalling continued growth in India’s coal sector.

For the first time, the Ministry is introducing provisions for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) within the auction framework. UCG is a cutting-edge technology designed to tap into India’s vast coal reserves that are otherwise too deep to be mined through traditional methods. This move is expected to significantly reduce the country’s reliance on imported natural gas and crude oil, while fostering investment, technological innovation, and employment opportunities across various sectors.

In alignment with the Government’s Digital India vision, the Ministry will also unveil two key digital platforms during the auction event: the Coal Land Acquisition, Management, and Payment (CLAMP) Portal and the Koyla Shakti Dashboard.

The CLAMP Portal is a comprehensive digital solution that aims to streamline processes related to land acquisition, compensation, and rehabilitation for coal projects. Designed to centralize land records, the platform ensures real-time data integration and enhances coordination among coal Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). By digitizing the workflow—from land detail uploads to compensation payments—the portal aims to increase transparency, minimize procedural delays, and reduce redundancy in data management.

The Koyla Shakti Dashboard, on the other hand, promises to transform the coal value chain with enhanced transparency and real-time coordination. It integrates the operations of coal companies, railways, ports, and end-users into a single interface, thus facilitating better decision-making and optimising logistics. The dashboard aims to strengthen India’s coal supply chain, aligning with the goals of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

The 14th round of auctions represents a significant milestone in India’s efforts to modernize and expand its coal sector. Since its inception in 2020, the commercial coal mine auction process has garnered strong interest from both established industry players and new entrants. This has played a crucial role in boosting domestic coal production, ensuring a steady supply of fuel for the country’s growing energy needs.

The upcoming auction round promises to offer coal mines under highly liberal terms designed to ease business operations, attract a broader range of investments, and foster wider industry participation. The Ministry’s commitment to promoting transparency, competition, and self-reliance is expected to further accelerate domestic coal production, reduce import dependence, and support the nation’s energy security goals.