THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

The Ministry of Coal on Thursday launched the 16th round of commercial coal mine auctions, offering 25 coal blocks across nine coal-bearing states, while executing Coal Mine Development and Production Agreements (CMDPAs) for six mines auctioned in earlier rounds.

Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey, who was the chief guest at the launch event here, formally opened the latest tranche of commercial coal mine auctions. Along with Coal Ministry Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt, he also handed over CMDPAs to successful bidders of the six coal mines.

The CMDPAs were executed for Tara (Revised), Margo West, Margo East, Mandla South, Dongeri Tal-II and Dip Side of PKoC. The successful bidders include CG Syn-Gas & Chemicals Ltd, Jharkhand Exploration & Mining Corporation Ltd, Qube Commercial Pvt Ltd, Gallant Ispat Ltd and The Singareni Collieries Ltd.

Together, the six mines have geological reserves of around 1,504 million tonnes and a combined peak rated capacity of 11.62 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). Once operational, they are expected to generate annual revenue of around Rs 1,984 crore, attract capital investment of nearly Rs 1,743 crore and create approximately 15,700 employment opportunities in the respective coal-bearing regions.

The 16th round offers 25 coal blocks, including 21 fully explored and four partially explored mines, spread across Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana and West Bengal.

Of the blocks on offer, six are being auctioned under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act (CMSP), while 19 come under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR).

The latest tranche is open to experienced mining companies, new entrants and technology-driven enterprises under the commercial coal mining framework, which allows coal mining without end-use restrictions. The framework also permits 100 per cent foreign direct investment through the automatic route and provides for low upfront payments adjustable against future revenue share.

With the launch of the latest round, the commercial coal mining programme has completed 16 rounds since Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the sector to commercial mining in 2020.

A total of 147 coal mines have been auctioned so far, with cumulative expected annual revenue of more than Rs 47,500 crore and projected capital investment exceeding Rs 55,000 crore across nine coal-bearing states.

Addressing the launch, Dubey highlighted the critical role of coal in powering India's economic growth, noting that it accounts for around 55 per cent of the country's primary energy requirement and more than 70 per cent of its electricity generation.

He said coal production has crossed the one-billion-tonne mark for the second consecutive year, reflecting the strength of India's domestic coal sector and its growing contribution to energy security.

Dubey also highlighted the government's efforts to transform the coal sector through greater transparency, competition and technology-enabled processes. He stressed the importance of providing a level playing field for stakeholders and creating a conducive environment for investment and wider participation in commercial coal mining.

The minister called for greater utilisation of India's domestic coal resources, higher production and reduced dependence on imports, while emphasising efficient and sustainable utilisation of the country's coal reserves. He also urged stakeholders to actively participate in the commercial coal mine auction process and contribute to strengthening India's energy security.

In her welcome address, Additional Secretary and Nominated Authority Rupinder Brar said the coal sector is undergoing a transformation towards a transparent, technology-enabled and competitive ecosystem.

She pointed to the recent surge in coal production from captive and commercial mines and said energy remains the foundation of growth, development and progress.

Brar highlighted the potential of India's coal sector to unlock domestic resources, boost production, attract investment and create new opportunities. She said the Office of the Nominated Authority remains accessible to stakeholders for dialogue and resolution of their concerns and queries, with the objective of maintaining a conducive and transparent framework for commercial coal mining.

Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Sanoj Kumar Jha, in his address, highlighted the growing focus on coal gasification as an important avenue for value addition and innovative utilisation of India's abundant coal resources.

He stressed the need to accelerate technology adoption and strengthen the ecosystem for next-generation coal utilisation, while learning from global technologies and best practices and developing solutions suited to India's requirements.

Leveraging technology, innovation and global expertise, Jha said, can help unlock new possibilities in coal utilisation and support a more efficient, sustainable and future-ready coal sector.

The Ministry of Coal said it remains committed to deepening reforms in the sector, promoting greater participation and investment and ensuring a reliable and affordable energy supply in line with India's long-term energy security goals.