The Indian government has taken several significant steps to boost domestic coal production and reduce reliance on imports. A press release on these efforts was issued on December 11, 2024.
While Rajasthan does not have substantial coal deposits, the government’s focus is on increasing overall domestic production and ensuring energy security for the nation.
Key Government Initiatives
The Ministry of Coal regularly reviews coal block development to expedite the process.
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021, has enabled captive mine owners to sell a portion of their production in the open market.
The government has established a single window clearance portal to streamline the approval process for coal mining projects.
The Project Monitoring Unit provides support to coal block allottees to expedite approvals and clearances.
The government has also launched a commercial coal mining scheme, allowing private players to participate in coal mining activities. This has led to increased competition and investment in the sector. Additionally, the government offers incentives for early production and value-added activities like coal gasification and liquefaction.
Coal India’s Efforts
Coal India Limited (CIL) is also actively working to increase coal production through various measures, including:
- Adopting advanced mining technologies like Continuous Miners and Highwall mining.
- Investing in infrastructure like coal handling plants, crushers, and transportation facilities.
The government is exploring the potential of reopening abandoned mines to boost production.
