Ministry of Coal to launch 14th round of commercial mine auctions

The Ministry of Coal is set to launch the 14th round of commercial coal mine auctions, opening a new phase in India’s coal sector liberalisation. The round will offer a mix of fully and partially explored blocks under revised terms designed to attract wider participation from established industry players as well as new entrants.  

A key highlight of the 14th round is the introduction of provisions for underground coal gasification (UCG), which will be included in the auction framework for the first time. This approach will enable the extraction of deep-seated and unmineable coal seams by converting coal into synthetic gas underground, providing an alternative to conventional mining. The inclusion of UCG aligns with India’s broader strategy to diversify coal resource utilisation, enhance energy security, and promote cleaner coal technologies.

Alongside the auction process, the Ministry will unveil a new coal land acquisition, management, and payment portal. The digital platform will integrate and streamline processes related to land acquisition, compensation, and rehabilitation across coal public sector undertakings (PSUs). Serving as a central repository for land records, the system will allow real-time tracking of cases, automate approvals, and minimise administrative delays. By digitising land management, the Ministry aims to improve transparency and ensure faster settlement of compensation and rehabilitation packages for affected communities.

The Ministry will also launch the Koyla Shakti dashboard, a digital interface designed to unify India’s coal supply chain from mine to market. The dashboard will integrate data from coal producers, ports, railways, and end-use industries, enabling better coordination through real-time information sharing. The platform is expected to improve supply chain visibility, support demand forecasting, and strengthen governance and accountability across the sector.

Together, these initiatives mark a significant step in modernising India’s coal ecosystem. They combine policy reform, digital governance, and technological innovation to support more efficient and sustainable coal resource management. The 14th round of commercial coal mine auctions, along with the supporting digital platforms, aims to create a more competitive, transparent, and investor-friendly environment in India’s coal sector.