Ministry of Coal launches 13th round of commercial coal mine auctions

The Ministry of Coal opened the 13th round of commercial coal mine auctions in New Delhi on 21 August 2025. 

Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy noted that India crossed one billion tonnes of coal production in FY 2025. He highlighted that 134 mines had been auctioned in 12 rounds, drawing investments of Rs 41,600 crore and generating more than 3.5 lakh jobs. The new round offers 14 blocks, aimed at lowering imports and conserving foreign exchange.

The Minister underlined the potential of coal gasification, particularly underground coal gasification (UCG), to utilise deep coal reserves that cannot be mined conventionally. He urged faster production from allocated blocks to meet rising demand and confirmed the Ministry’s focus on reforms, clearances, and ease of doing business.

Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt reviewed the sector’s progress since the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015, and the start of commercial mining in 2020. He noted the Ministry’s efforts to speed up mine development, clearances, and logistics. Dutt said coal gasification could provide syngas for power, fertilisers, and petrochemicals, while reducing emissions. He highlighted an incentive scheme of Rs 8,500 crore, with seven projects already selected for support.

The 13th round includes four blocks under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015, and ten under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. Ten mines are fully explored and ready for development, while four are partially explored. Three blocks from the previous round are also being offered. The mines are spread across Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.