Of the 106 mines that will be offered in the seventh round, 61 are partially explored and 45 are fully explored, the government said on Monday. These comprise 95 non-coking coal, one coking coal and 10 lignite mines.
As for the sixth round, which was concluded in the first half of March, the cumulative peak-rated capacity of the 28 coal mines awarded is 74 million tonnes per annum.
The 28 mines are expected to generate annual revenue of ₹14,497 crore, calculated at their peak rated capacity.
Commercial coal mining has been given a thrust to meet India’s growing power demand with a view to also limit imports.
Despite having the fourth largest coal reserves in the world, India is the second largest importer of the fuel, according to a government report. A fifth of the annual coal requirement is being met through imports.
India launched commercial coal mining via auctions in 2020.
Coal gasification, coal liquefaction and extraction of coal bed methane have also been allowed and encouraged to the allottees under commercial coal mining.
