Reddy highlighted coal’s role in economic progress
The Ministry of Coal said its high-impact roadshow, held on 28 Feb in Mumbai, focused on policy reforms, ease of doing business and technological advancements, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to unlocking the full potential of India’s coal sector while ensuring environmental sustainability and long-term energy security.
The roadshow served as a strategic platform to accelerate private sector participation, enhance domestic coal production, and promote sustainable mining practices, said the Coal Ministry https://www.investindia.gov.in/.
In his keynote address at the road show, Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy highlighted the crucial role of coal in India’s economic progress, particularly in ensuring energy security and meeting growing industrial and power sector demands. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to accelerate domestic coal production, reducing import dependence and ensuring sustainable mining practices.
The Minister emphasized the remarkable growth in India’s coal production, which has enabled industries and power plants to meet their energy needs efficiently.
He underscored the Government’s efforts to bridge the demand-supply gap and ensure uninterrupted coal availability for both captive and commercial consumers https://www.iea.org/.
Reddy reaffirmed that coal remains the backbone of India’s energy landscape, contributing over 70% to electricity generation.
He also outlined key reforms to attract private investment in commercial coal mining, enhance ease of doing business, and deploy advanced technologies such as automation and digital monitoring to optimize mining operations while minimizing environmental impact https://sbi.com.in/.
Additionally, the minister highlighted the Government’s large-scale afforestation initiatives on reclaimed land, leading to the development of eco-parks, green belts, and biodiversity zones. Further, he assured that as per Mine closure plan, post-mining landscapes are being restored for sustainable use, including agriculture, forestry, and mine tourism, benefiting local communities.
In his address, Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt assured investors of the Ministry’s proactive approach in facilitating seamless investment in the coal sector. He emphasized that the Ministry is committed to assisting investors at every stage from obtaining clearances to project execution by coordinating with regulatory bodies and stakeholder ministries to expedite approvals for early operationalization https://www.nseindia.com/.
He further emphasized that the Ministry is ensuring a fast-tracked approval process, reducing bottlenecks, and improving transparency in the allocation of coal blocks.
The Secretary reaffirmed the Ministry’s focus on afforestation on Mined-out land biodiversity conservation, and responsible mine closure practices, ensuring mining activities align with India’s sustainability goals https://www.bseindia.com/.
He also announced that the upcoming 12th round of auctions which is going to start very soon will include underground mines, offering additional financial incentives.
Encouraging industry leaders and investors to actively participate in upcoming coal mine auctions, he assured them of full government support, including regulatory assistance, financial incentives, and streamlined processes to enhance business confidence. He reiterated that India’s coal sector offers immense opportunities for investment, innovation, paving the way for a self-reliant and resilient energy future.
The strategic importance of private sector’s participation in coal mining were highlighted by Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary & Nominated Authority, Ministry of Coal.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to creating a transparent, competitive and investor-friendly coal sector.
Brar also highlighted key incentives available to investors and urged stakeholders to leverage policy reforms for long-term growth, pointing out that the Government has allowed its use beyond captive purposes, enabling mining companies to operate with greater flexibility and market coal as a commodity.
The roadshow featured detailed discussions on investment potential, regulatory reforms, sustainability measures, and coal gasification prospects. It provided a platform for direct engagement between policymakers and industry leaders, facilitating insightful deliberations on upcoming rounds of commercial coal mine auctions, Technological advancements, best practices in sustainable coal mining, policy support for ease of doing business and fast-tracking project approvals. Fiinews.com
