Coal ministry sets FY26 production target at 1,150 MT; proposes coal trading exchange, policy reforms
Coal India Limited
and its subsidiaries contributing 875 MT,
Singareni Collieries Company Limited
(SCCL) 72 MT, and captive and other producers 203.39 MT.
To further open up the coal market, the ministry has proposed the establishment of a Coal Trading Exchange (CTE) for online trading, clearing, and settlement. Legislative backing is being sought for the exchange through amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. A draft Cabinet note was circulated on March 7, 2025, and public comments have also been invited via the ministry's website.
The ministry is also planning to allow coal linkages without a specified end use, requiring changes to the Non-Regulated Sector (NRS) linkage auction policy of 2016. Auctions to NRS sub-sectors under the current policy will continue.
In terms of quality assurance, the government will increase the grade conformity of Third Party Sampling beyond the current 80% achieved in FY25. The system, introduced in 2015, ensures quality at the loading end and now covers both power and non-power consumers. Currently, 12 agencies are empanelled for this task.
A coal production and dispatch target of 203.4 MT has been set for FY26 from auctioned mines. The government plans to launch three auctions during the year and aims to successfully auction 25 mines. Twelve mines are expected to receive mine opening permissions, while seven may begin production.
Amendments to the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960, are proposed to implement new guidelines for mining and mine closure plans issued in January 2025. These changes would permit coverage beyond block boundaries and allow minor changes in plans with company board approval.
To intensify coal exploration, a drilling target of 10 lakh meters has been set for FY26 under the Central Sector Scheme, NMET, CIL, and private sector. An outlay of ₹750 crore has been approved. Exploration efforts will focus on high GCV and coking coal areas and include revisions to guidelines for forest areas and seismic surveys.
The ministry has set a target of producing 42 MT from underground coal mining in FY26. The strategy includes deployment of Continuous Miners, operationalising mines through Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) mode, and introducing revenue share rebates in commercial coal auctions.
Land acquisition initiatives for FY26 include operationalising the Coal Land Acquisition and Management Portal (CLAMP), establishing a special tribunal in Talcher, amending the CBA (A&D) Act, 1957, and creating a land database under PM Gati Shakti. Mutation of 80% of CPSU-acquired land is also targeted.
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