Coal Ministry signs agreements for three coal blocks

The Ministry of Coal has executed agreements for three fully explored coal blocks, increasing the total number auctioned to 104 since the commencement of commercial coal mining.

The Meenakshi and Rampia & Dip Side of Rampia coal blocks have been awarded to Hindalco Industries Limited and Jhar Mineral Resources Private Limited, respectively. These blocks are expected to generate annual revenue of approximately Rs 2.71 billion, with investments around Rs 4.05 billion, and a combined peak rated capacity of 27 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).

On the second day of the 10th round of auctions, the Bundu coal block in Jharkhand and Gare Palma IV-5 in Chhattisgarh were awarded to S M Steels and Sarda Energy and Minerals Limited, respectively. These blocks have combined geological reserves of 180.26 million tonnes and a peak rated capacity of 2.10 MTPA. They are projected to generate annual revenue of approximately Rs 0.34 billion and attract investments of about Rs 0.32 billion.