The Ministry of Coal will hold a stakeholder consultation on “Atmanirbhar Bharat: Coal for Energy Security” along with the launch of the 15th round of commercial coal mine auctions on April 17 (Friday) in Mumbai. The event will be attended by Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt as the chief guest. 

The ministry said the initiative reflects its continued commitment to meeting India’s rising energy demand while advancing the vision of a self-reliant nation. 

Commercial coal mine auctions 

Building on the success of commercial coal mine auctions, the Ministry of Coal has been working to strengthen the country’s energy security through greater domestic coal production, improved efficiency, and sectoral reforms. Since the launch of commercial coal mining in 2020 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the programme has helped enhance domestic coal availability and reduce supply concerns. 

The upcoming 15th round of auctions will offer coal mines under liberalised terms aimed at improving ease of doing business, attracting investment, and encouraging wider industry participation. 

The ministry said the round will include a fresh set of fully explored and partially explored coal blocks, opening opportunities for established mining companies, new entrants and technology-driven enterprises. 

It expects the auction process to boost investments, create employment opportunities and support growth across the coal sector. 

Coal mine auction framework 

According to the ministry, the commercial coal mine auction framework has brought greater transparency, increased competition and created a level playing field for participants. It has also improved coal availability for domestic industries, helping reduce dependence on imports and supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. 

The ministry added that commercial coal mining has emerged as an important driver of economic growth by increasing production and ensuring a steady supply of coal to industries. 

The forthcoming auction round is expected to build on these gains and further strengthen confidence in the sector’s long-term potential.