The Ministry of Coal is set to launch the 14th round of commercial coal mine auctions on October 29 in New Delhi, marking another step towards enhancing transparency and self-reliance in India’s coal sector. Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy will preside over the event as the chief guest.
The commercial coal mine auction initiative, introduced in 2020 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has attracted wide industry participation over the years. It has played a key role in boosting domestic coal production, ensuring reliable supply for industries, and reducing import dependence.
According to the Ministry, the 14th round will offer a new set of fully explored and partially explored blocks, inviting bids from both established players and new entrants. The mines will be auctioned under liberal terms designed to promote ease of doing business, attract investment, and strengthen competition.
For the first time, the auction framework will include provisions for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG)—a technology aimed at utilising deep-seated coal reserves that are otherwise unmineable. Officials said this innovation could help reduce dependence on imported natural gas and crude oil while spurring technological and industrial growth.
Alongside the auction launch, the Ministry will unveil two digital initiatives—the Coal Land Acquisition, Management and Payment (CLAMP) Portal and the Koyla Shakti Dashboard—developed to strengthen governance and streamline operations in the coal sector.
The Coal Land Acquisition, Management, and Payment (CLAMP) Portal is designed as a unified digital platform to streamline processes related to land acquisition, compensation, and rehabilitation and resettlement in the coal sector. The system digitizes the entire workflow, integrates real-time data, and enhances coordination among coal PSUs, ensuring transparency and timely execution.
The Koyla Shakti Dashboard will serve as a comprehensive digital interface integrating the entire coal value chain — from mine to market. It will enable real-time coordination among coal companies, railways, ports, and end-users to optimize logistics and improve supply chain management.
Both initiatives align with the Digital India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat visions, aiming to strengthen governance and promote a technology-driven coal sector.
The Ministry of Coal has invited industry leaders, investors, and stakeholders to participate in the event and contribute to shaping the future of India’s coal ecosystem.