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The Coal Ministry on Wednesday launched the 14th round of commercial coal auctions, under which it has offered 41 blocks. Of these, 21 mines possess Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) potential. It is for the first time that provisions for UCG have been introduced in the 14th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions, reflecting the Ministry’s commitment to technological advancement and sustainable coal utilisation. So far, the Ministry has successfully auctioned 133 coal mines across 12 rounds of commercial coal mine auctions, with a peak rated capacity (PRC) of 276 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). Of the 41 mines, 20 are fully explored and 21 are partially explored, offering a balanced mix of opportunities for investors and developers. The round includes five mines under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 (CMSP) and 36 under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR). Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy said the latest round represents a defining moment in India’s journey towards energy independence, reinforcing the government’s commitment to energy security, Aatmanirbhar Bharat and sustainable industrial growth. He noted that the commercial mining reforms introduced by the government have unlocked vast new opportunities, leading to enhanced domestic production, reduced import dependency and greater employment generation at the regional level. paradigm shift Commercial coal mining has catalysed a paradigm shift, making the sector more competitive, efficient and investment-friendly, Reddy emphasised. He underscored that one of the most significant features of this tranche is the focus on UCG, an innovative technology being promoted for the first time in the auction process. Nearly 40 per cent of India’s coal reserves lie deep underground, beyond the reach of conventional mining methods. Referring to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Minister informed that pilot UCG projects are exempted from environmental clearance, ensuring faster implementation. He added that the government, through a Whole-of-Government Approach, is working in close coordination to accelerate the pace of coal gasification. The success of this initiative, he emphasised, will depend on collaboration between the Government, private industry, and academia. The Minister urged all stakeholders to enthusiastically seize this opportunity and join hands in shaping the future of coal utilization in India. Published on October 29, 2025
