New Delhi: The Ministry of Coal is going to launch the 15th round of the commercial coal mine auctions on April 17. It will also organise a Stakeholder Consultation on “Atmanirbhar Bharat: Coal for Energy Security.” The event will be held in Mumbai and Coal secretary Vikram Dev Dutt will be the chief guest. "The initiative reflects the ministry’s sustained commitment to supporting India’s growing energy needs and advancing the vision of a self-reliant nation," said the Coal Ministry in a statement on Thursday.
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The upcoming 15th round will offer a fresh set of both partially explored and fully explored coal mines, said the ministry. "The upcoming 15th round continues this progressive journey, offering coal mines under the most liberal terms to promote ease of doing business, attract diverse investments, and encourage wider industry participation," said the ministry.
The government expects participation from experienced miners, new entrants, and technology-driven enterprises alike. "It is expected to further energise the coal sector by fostering a vibrant and competitive ecosystem, while paving the way for enhanced investments, employment generation, and overall sectoral growth," said the ministry.
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The commercial coal mine auction framework was launched in 2020 to open the coal sector for private sector participation. It "has transformed the coal sector by introducing transparency, fostering competition, and creating a level playing field for all participants. It has significantly enhanced coal availability for domestic industries, thereby reducing import dependence and supporting the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat," said the Coal Ministry.