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Coal Ministry Executes Agreements for Three Coal Blocks
The Ministry of Coal finalized agreements with the successful bidders for three coal blocks on November 22, 2024.
This milestone contributes to the ongoing success of India’s commercial coal mining initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. To date, 104 coal blocks have been successfully auctioned under this initiative, with the latest agreements covering fully explored blocks.
Coal Blocks and Successful Bidders
The agreements were signed for the Meenakshi and Rampia & Dip Side of Rampia coal blocks, awarded to Hindalco Industries Limited and Jhar Mineral Resources Private Limited, respectively. The Ministry estimates that the blocks, once operational, will generate annual revenue of approximately ₹2,709.95 crore with a combined Peak Rated Capacity (PRC) of 27 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
Employment and Investment Impact
The operationalization of these blocks is expected to create employment opportunities for over 36,500 individuals, both directly and indirectly. Additionally, the total investment required for developing these coal blocks is projected to be around ₹4,050 crore.
Official Support and Commitments
During the signing ceremony, Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, along with Additional Secretary Rupinder Brar, assured the bidders of the Ministry’s full support in ensuring the smooth development and operationalization of the coal blocks. “These projects are pivotal for bolstering India’s energy security and driving economic growth,” said Dutt.
Progress in the 10th Auction Round
The ongoing 10th round of commercial coal block auctions saw two more blocks being auctioned. These fully explored blocks have geological reserves of 180.26 million tonnes and a combined PRC of 2.10 MTPA, further expanding India’s coal production capabilities.
With these agreements, the Ministry has now signed Coal Mine Development and Production Agreements (CMDPAs) for 101 mines auctioned under the commercial mining initiative, signaling steady progress in India’s mission to achieve energy self-reliance.
