COAL PRODUCTION AND SELF -RELIANCE

The Ministry of Coal outlines a series of policy and regulatory measures aimed at boosting domestic coal production and reducing import dependence. Key actions include regular reviews of coal block development, the 2021 MMDR Act allowing captive mine owners to sell up to 50% of production, a single‑window clearance portal, and a Project Management Unit to expedite approvals. Commercial mining auctions launched in 2020 offer a 50% rebate for early production and incentives for coal gasification, with liberal terms such as 100% FDI and revenue sharing based on the National Coal Index. Timelines for mine development have been shortened, prospecting licences dispensed, and coking coal declared a critical mineral. The government also increased the Annual Contracted Quantity to 100% of normative demand and extended coking‑coal linkage tenures to 30 years, further curbing imports. Environmental sustainability measures, including mechanised extraction, dust‑control technologies, and plantation initiatives, accompany these reforms.