In a bid to strengthen domestic self-reliance, Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy called on the steel sector to reduce its dependency on imported coking coal and transition to indigenous and technologically advanced solutions. The minister’s remarks came during the launch of the 11th round of commercial coal mine auctions, highlighting the government’s focus on minimising imports while bolstering coal production.
The steel industry, a significant consumer of coking coal, heavily relies on imports to meet its demand. Addressing this, Minister Reddy emphasised the importance of a phased reduction in coal imports, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts to increase domestic production. “To achieve our coal production targets, we must work together,” he said, adding that this shift would not only aid in achieving energy independence but also ensure robust support for the steel industry’s growth. The Minister expressed optimism about achieving the ambitious coal production target of 1,080 million tonnes for the current fiscal year. So far, 113 coal mines have been put up for sale under commercial mining, and the 11th auction round has now added 27 coal blocks to this tally.
The coal blocks on offer in this round span six states—Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh—and include fully explored, partially explored, and a coking coal mine. Once operational, these mines are projected to generate annual revenue of ₹1,446 crore while creating employment opportunities for approximately 19,000 individuals. This strategic push is aligned with the broader goal of energy self-reliance, as envisaged in the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. As coal continues to play a pivotal role in India’s energy mix, the Ministry of Coal is determined to foster technological innovation and policy reforms to meet the nation’s growing energy demands sustainably.
