By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: In pursuit of ensuring energy security and driving economic development, the Ministry of Coal is set to embark on another significant stride with the launch of the 9th round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions here on 20th December 2023. The Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Pralhad Joshi will grace the occasion as the chief guest and Minister of State for Railways, Coal & Mines, Shri Raosaheb Patil Danve will be the guest of honour on the occasion.
The upcoming 9th round of commercial coal auctions is poised to enhance the participation of more private players in the coal sector, fostering competition, efficiency, innovation and contributing to sustainable development. This initiative follows unprecedented achievements in coal production and dispatch from Captive and Commercial Coal Mines.
The Ministry’s reforms and achievements in the coal sector since 2014 have focused on increasing domestic coal production, minimizing import dependence, and making the country self-reliant in the coal sector. As the Ministry takes this significant step, it reaffirms its unwavering commitment to shaping the nation’s energy landscape through prudent coal reforms. The forthcoming 9th round of Commercial Coal Mine auctions, in the wake of previous successful auctions signifies the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to propel the sector forward.
A total of 26 coal mines will be offered in the upcoming round, comprising 03 under the CM (SP) Act 2015 and 23 under the MMDR Act 1957. Among these, 07 coal mines are Fully Explored, while 19 are Partially Explored. Additionally, 5 coal mines are being offered under the 2nd Attempt of round 7 of Commercial Coal that includes four CMSP coal mine and one MMDR coal mines. Of these, four is Fully Explored, and one is partially explored.
Unlike previous Commercial Coal Mine Auctions, there are no restrictions on the sale or utilization of coal. Notably, eligibility criteria have been eliminated, removing any technical or financial barriers for participation. Also, a strategic shift from the notified price to the National Coal Index ensures transparency and fairness, establishing a market-driven pricing mechanism. The amendment of mineral laws has been instrumental in unlocking the coal sector, providing an equitable playing field for both public and private sector players and allowing auctions for various purposes, including own consumption and sale.
For ease of doing business, the Ministry of Coal has conceptualized a Single Window Clearance System (SWCS) portal to create a platform to obtain various clearances for the early operationalization of coal mines, ultimately resulting in the augmentation of coal production in the country through a single gateway. These reforms serve as pillars of progress and resilience in the coal sector.
Furthermore, the upcoming Commercial Coal Mine auctions holds the potential to propel economic growth, generate employment opportunities, strengthen energy security, and contribute to sustainable development. The Ministry remains committed to fostering a conducive environment for growth and innovation in the energy sector.
The Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Pralhad Joshi will grace the occasion as the chief guest and Minister of State for Railways, Coal & Mines, Shri Raosaheb Patil Danve will be the guest of honour on the occasion.
Detailed information regarding the mines, auctions terms, timelines and more can be accessed on the MSTC auctions platform. The auctions will be conducted online through a transparent process, based on the Percentage Revenue Share model.
