Dear Friends,
Coal remains central to India’s energy ecosystem, generating nearly 70% of the nation’s electricity and meeting over half of its primary energy needs. With 389 billion tons of reserves, India is the world’s second-largest coal producer, currently producing over one billion ton per annum, anchored by Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries that power industries, infrastructure, and livelihoods nationwide.
Indian economy is the fastest growing economy in the world having an annual growth of 6-7%. This fast accelerating economy is going to need huge additional energy generating capacity. Inspite of huge addition of renewable energy generating capacity (500 GW by 2030), the country will have to depend on coal, the only indigenously available energy source, for a few decades to come. India is forced to import over 80% of its oil and 50% of NG requirement. Inspite of having huge reserves of coal, the country is forced to import 20% of its coal requirement, due to non availability of metallurgical coking coal as well as importing high CV thermal coal for coastal power plants. To meet the rising energy demand the coal production has to rise fast and for that purpose in year 2020, Ministry of Coal, Govt. of India started allotting commercial coal blocks through transparent auction route. This sector is showing a high growth rate and produced 190 MT in the year 2024-25. The projected coal production for the year 2030 is 1575 MT of which Commercial /captive coal blocks will contribute around 375 MT ( 24%).
Over the past decade, the sector has undergone a major transformation, transitioning from traditional mining to mechanised, digital, and environmentally responsible operations. Government initiatives such as Make in India, Digital India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat have accelerated the integration of automation, AI, remote sensing, and sustainable technologies, aligning the industry with India’s Net Zero carbon emission 2070 goal.
Together, public and private players are redefining coal mining in India–driving technological advancement, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility to secure a resilient and sustainable energy future for the nation.
The impressive expansion in commercial mining has enabled the nation to surpass the 1 Bt. milestone, transforming the coal sector from an era of scarcity to one of self-sufficiency. Such an achievement would not have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of the commercial coal block allottees. It is the endeavor of Coal Producers Association to improve the performance of commercial mining sector further.
