Archive · 1 Dec 2025
India Simplifies Coal Exploration Approvals
The Indian government has made it easier to get approvals for exploring coal and lignite.
Before, a special committee had to approve these plans, but now private companies that are accredited can do the work and review each other's reports.
This change will save time and help India find and use its coal resources more quickly.
The government believes this will make the process more efficient and transparent, and it shows their trust in private companies to do a good job.
This is part of India's plan to meet its energy needs and modernize its coal industry.
The Indian government has simplified the approval process for coal and lignite exploration programs and Geological Reports (GRs).
The new process eliminates the need for approval by a committee constituted by the Ministry of Coal in January 2022.
Private Accredited Prospecting Agencies (APAs) accredited by QCI-NABET will prepare and peer-review the reports.
The reform is expected to save at least 3 months in the approval process, facilitating timely operationalization of coal blocks.
The initiative aims to enhance ease of doing business, accelerate exploration, and ensure sustainable utilisation of India's coal resources.
- Who
- Indian Government, Ministry of Coal
- What
- Simplified approval process for coal and lignite exploration
- When
- Announced on December 1, 2023
- Where
- India
- Why
- To enhance ease of doing business, accelerate exploration, and ensure sustainable utilisation of coal resources
- Reform Announced
- December 1, 2023
- Affected Sectors
- Coal and Lignite Exploration
- Approval Process
- Simplified, No Committee Approval Needed
- Time Saved
- At least 3 months
- Entities Involved
- Private Accredited Prospecting Agencies (APAs)
- Review Process
- Peer-reviewed by another APA
- Objective
- Enhance ease of doing business, accelerate exploration