Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy on Thursday called for faster coal sector reforms, greater investment in coal gasification and wider adoption of advanced technologies to strengthen India’s energy security and reduce import dependence.
Addressing the fourth Conference of Mining Ministers on Reforms in the Mines and Coal Sector in Goa, Reddy urged states to expedite the operationalisation of auctioned mines, auction new blocks and expand exploration.
He said sustained reforms under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership had improved transparency, efficiency and professionalism in the coal and mining sectors, strengthening their contribution to economic growth.
Reddy identified coal gasification as a priority for making better use of India’s abundant coal resources. He said it could unlock the economic value of domestic coal, diversify industrial activity, generate employment and support long-term energy security.
Highlighting the strategic importance of critical minerals amid changing global geopolitical conditions, he called for stronger domestic capabilities in exploration, mining, processing, refining and recycling. A self-reliant mineral ecosystem was essential to reducing import dependence and strengthening economic and strategic resilience, he said.
The Minister urged state governments to use artificial intelligence, digitalisation and advanced technologies in exploration, mine operations and mineral recovery to improve productivity, efficiency and sustainability.
He also called for closer Centre-state coordination, saying a shared roadmap would help unlock India’s coal and mineral potential and support sustainable and inclusive growth.
Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey stressed the need to balance increased mining activity with environmental protection, mine rehabilitation and the welfare of communities in mining-affected areas.
Plans for post-mining rehabilitation and alternative livelihoods should be incorporated from the beginning of mining operations, Dubey said. He also called for higher coal production through safe and modern technologies, coal gasification, innovations in coal utilisation and First Mile Connectivity initiatives.
Dubey urged states to share their experiences and best practices to address challenges in the sector.
Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt said domestic coal production had exceeded one billion tonnes for the second consecutive year, marking progress towards energy self-reliance and reduced dependence on imported coal.
He called for continued structural reforms to make the sector more competitive, transparent and investment-friendly. Citing commercial coal mining, the revised SHAKTI framework and Coal SETU, Dutt emphasised greater private participation, simpler procedures and faster operationalisation of mines.
Describing coal gasification as an opportunity for value addition and employment generation, he urged coal-bearing states to facilitate investment, develop infrastructure and accelerate project implementation.
The next phase of growth must move beyond extraction towards value creation, Dutt said, positioning coal as a driver of industrial development, state revenues and employment.
Additional Coal Secretary Rupinder Brar presented recent sectoral reforms, their contribution to ease of doing business and the challenges requiring support from states. Her presentation focused on simplifying procedures, improving transparency and facilitating investment.
Organised by the Ministry of Mines on November 5–6, the conference brings together state mining ministers and senior Central and state government officials to discuss reforms, investment opportunities, sectoral challenges and best practices.
(PIB)
