India Coal Ministry Discusses Commercial Mining Reforms

The Consultative Committee of Members of Parliament attached to the India — Ministry of Coal met on August 6, 2026, to discuss 'Commercial Coal Mining Reforms and Leveraging Private Sector Participation.' The meeting was chaired by Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy and attended by Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt, senior officials, coal PSUs, and committee members. Reddy highlighted that 14 rounds of commercial coal mine auctions have been completed, with the 15th round underway, and emphasized that the transparent auction process has made the sector more competitive and efficient. Dutt noted that captive and commercial mines contributed around 20% of India's coal production in the last financial year and helped achieve 1 billion tonne production in each of the last two years. He also reported that reforms reduced operationalisation timelines for fully explored blocks from 51 to 40 months and for partially explored blocks from 66 to 52 months. Additional Secretary Rupinder Brar presented on the reforms. Committee members appreciated the efforts and suggested balancing growth with environmental and community concerns.