All efforts on to stop coal import by 2025-26: Pralhad Joshi

New Delhi: Launching the 8th round of the commercial coal mine auction virtually on Wednesday, Union Minster for Coal Pralhad Joshi said that all efforts are on to stop coal import by 2025-26. He added that coal will continue to feed the country's power plants and the government will make every effort to ramp up the output of fossil fuel to meet the growing demand for electricity. Joshi also stated that coal production from underground mines (UG) will be further scaled up to touch 100 million tonne (MT) by 2030 by deploying mass production technology.

Speaking at the inauguration, Joshi said, "India is consuming more power than ever before. Peak demand for power in the country has already reached 240 GW and is likely to double by 2030. Therefore, while the share of coal-generated power may decline, however, in absolute terms it will increase."

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The minister also assured that with collective efforts, India will be able to meet the demand vis a vis adoption of sustainable development principles in coal mining. The Centre is also aware of its responsibilities and its commitment to get 50 percent of energy from renewable resources and the Net Zero goal for carbon emissions by 2070, which is vital to fight for a greener environment, he said.

Commercial coal mine auction 8th round launched

A total of 39 coal mines have been put on sale in the eighth round of commercial coal mines auction. "Today is a special day to launch the 8th tranche of auctions for commercial mining of coal for a total of 39 coal blocks. Special because today is also the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas or Tribal Pride Day which resonates deeply within the heart of India's tribal communities," the minister explained.

The mines being auctioned are spread across coal bearing States of Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Bihar. These mines come under CMSP Act and MMDR Act. Out of 39 coal mines, four mines are being offered under 2nd attempt of 7th round under CMSP/ MMDR Act, where single bid were received in the first attempt. Of the 35 coal mines being offered under 8th round, 16 coal mines are new ones and 19 mines are being rolled over from earlier tranches.

SBI Capital Markets Limited, the sole Transaction Advisor to Ministry of Coal for the commercial coal mine auctions is assisting the Ministry in conducting the auction process.

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