Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Six Newly Auctioned Coal Mines Promise Revenue, Investment, Jobs
India has signed agreements allowing six coal mines to move closer to opening.
These mines are expected to bring in money every year, create jobs and attract investment.
They contain a very large amount of coal.
The mines together could produce up to 11.62 million tonnes of coal each year.
The government also opened a new auction for 25 more coal blocks.
These blocks are spread across nine Indian states.
Companies can sell the coal to power stations, factories and steel producers.
The government says more domestic coal production can reduce imports and support energy security.
It is also encouraging newer technologies, including coal gasification.
Six mines received Coal Mine Development and Production Agreements on September 17, enabling them to move toward production.
The mines are projected to generate about Rs 1,984 crore in annual revenue, attract Rs 1,743 crore in investment and create around 15,700 jobs.
Together, the mines have geological reserves of approximately 1,504 million tonnes and peak rated capacity of 11.62 million tonnes annually.
The Ministry of Coal launched the 16th commercial coal auction round, offering 25 blocks across nine coal-bearing states.
Since commercial mining opened to private participation in 2020, 147 mines have been auctioned, with projected annual revenue exceeding Rs 47,500 crore.
- Who
- The Ministry of Coal, Minister of State Satish Chandra Dubey, Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt and the successful bidders for six mines.
- What
- The ministry handed over agreements for six previously auctioned mines and launched the 16th round of commercial coal mine auctions.
- When
- September 17, 2026.
- Where
- The launch took place in New Delhi; the 25 new coal blocks are located across nine coal-bearing Indian states.
- Why
- The programme aims to increase domestic coal production, attract private investment, create jobs, reduce import dependence and strengthen energy security.
- Six mines' projected annual revenue
- About Rs 1,984 crore
- Projected capital investment
- Nearly Rs 1,743 crore
- Projected employment
- Around 15,700 jobs
- Combined geological reserves
- Approximately 1,504 million tonnes
- Combined peak rated capacity
- 11.62 million tonnes per annum
- New auction round
- 25 blocks: 21 fully explored and four partially explored
- Programme-wide auction results
- 147 mines auctioned, with projected annual revenue above Rs 47,500 crore and capital investment exceeding Rs 55,000 crore