Ministry of Coal Launches 11th round of Commercial Coal Mine Auction
The Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, has officially launched the 11th round of Commercial Coal Mine auctions in New Delhi. This initiative offers a total of 27 coal blocks across several states, including Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh. The auction is a significant step toward enhancing India’s energy security and reducing dependency on coal imports.
Overview of the Coal Blocks on Offer
The 27 coal blocks available in this auction include both fully explored and partially explored mines. Notably, one of these blocks is a coking coal mine. The diversity of these blocks reflects the government’s commitment to tapping into various coal resources to meet the growing energy demands of the nation. The Ministry of Coal has also executed nine agreements with successful bidders from the previous round of auctions. These agreements are expected to generate an annual revenue of ₹1,446 crores and create approximately 19,000 jobs once the mines become operational.
The government has implemented several reforms to ensure that the coal sector can grow rapidly and meet the country’s energy needs. For this 11th round, the Ministry has excluded mines located in protected areas, wildlife sanctuaries, and regions with significant forest cover. This careful selection process aims to enhance the attractiveness of the coal blocks while ensuring environmental sustainability.
Minister’s Vision for Energy Security
During the launch event, Minister G. Kishan Reddy emphasized the critical role of coal in India’s energy landscape. He stated that power generation is unimaginable without coal and highlighted the transformative impact of coal block auctions. The Minister urged industry players to participate actively in this round of auctions, calling for collective efforts to achieve the vision of an energy-independent Aatmanirbhar Bharat, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Reddy reaffirmed the government’s commitment to boosting domestic coal production to meet the nation’s energy demands. He stressed that coal mining activities are not just about economic growth; they also aim to empower local communities. The Minister pointed out that these initiatives would create jobs, improve infrastructure, and enhance education and healthcare in coal mining regions. He expressed confidence that these reforms would position India as a global leader in sustainable mining practices while ensuring energy security.
Financial Incentives for Coal Gasification
In addition to the auction, the Minister highlighted the Government of India’s Financial Incentive Scheme, which has an outlay of ₹8,500 crores. This scheme aims to promote coal and lignite gasification projects, a crucial step toward achieving India’s ambitious target of 100 million tonnes of coal gasification by 2030. By encouraging cleaner and more efficient technologies, the initiative seeks to reduce reliance on imported natural gas and lower carbon emissions.
The focus on coal gasification aligns with the government’s broader goals of sustainable energy development. The scheme aims to pave the way for cleaner energy solutions while ensuring that the coal sector remains robust and competitive. This dual approach of promoting coal mining and gasification reflects the government’s commitment to balancing energy needs with environmental considerations.
Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Development
Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, spoke about the importance of policy reforms in creating an ecosystem that encourages innovation and reduces production costs. He emphasized that these reforms are designed to enhance coal production while aligning with India’s broader goals of energy self-reliance and sustainable development. Dutt also highlighted the need for inter-ministerial collaboration, particularly with the Ministries of Environment, Power, and Steel, to streamline processes and address sectoral challenges effectively.
Furthermore, the Secretary discussed modernization efforts in the coal sector, including the implementation of advanced technologies to improve productivity and worker safety. He underscored the significance of First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects in expediting coal evacuation and reducing environmental impact. These initiatives are crucial for driving the sector toward modernization and greater operational efficiency.
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