Centre Auctions Six Coal Mines to Boost Commercial Coal Production

The Ministry of Coal recently said it has successfully auctioned six coal blocks under the 15th round and the second attempt of the 13th round of commercial coal mine auctions.

The auction process was launched on April 17, 2026, following which forward auctions were conducted on August 3 and 4. Six coal blocks were successfully awarded during the bidding process, the ministry said.

Of the six blocks auctioned, four are fully explored mines while two are partially explored coal blocks. Together, the blocks have estimated geological reserves of around 1,503.93 million tonnes (mt) and a combined Peak Rated Capacity (PRC) of 11.62 million tonnes per annum (mtpa).

The ministry said the auction is part of the government's ongoing efforts to expand commercial coal mining and increase domestic coal production capacity.