New Delhi: This adds another 18 agencies for carrying out prospecting operations for the exploration of coal and lignite. The Ministry of Coal on Friday said the decision is aimed at expanding the pool of accredited exploration agencies and accelerating the operationalisation of coal mines.
Follow Energy Watch on X
In its statement, the ministry said the government has taken the step “in its ongoing effort to strengthen the coal sector and bring India closer to the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.” Private entities accredited by the Quality Council of India – National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (QCI-NABET) were notified on November 26, as “Accredited Prospecting Agencies” under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
The notification, the ministry said, is available on its website and enables coal block allottees to engage these newly authorised agencies directly. It added that exploration and preparation of geological reports is a prerequisite for operationalising coal mines, and the inclusion of more agencies “will result in saving of around 6 months’ time, which was earlier required for obtaining of prospecting license by the agency.”
By widening the pool of authorised agencies, the ministry said the government intends to “harness private sector resources, promote efficiency, competitiveness, and technological innovation in the exploration ecosystem.”
The expansion, it added, “is expected to significantly accelerate the pace of exploration and enable early enhancement of mining contributing to faster resource development and enhance coal and lignite availability for the country.” The move is expected to help meet rising energy requirements by ensuring “enhanced availability of coal and lignite.”
Follow Energy Watch on LinkedIN
Reiterating its broader policy intent, the ministry said: “The Government of India remains committed to fostering a transparent, efficient, and future-ready mineral exploration framework that strengthens national energy security and drives economic growth.”