📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Mines
Business
India launches sale of 25 coal blocks in 16th commercial auction
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 18 Sep 2026, 04:36 AM
👁 6
The government announced the auction of 25 coal blocks in the 16th round of commercial sales, aiming to boost revenue and attract private investment.
New Delhi – The Ministry of Coal has opened the 16th round of commercial auctions, offering 25 coal blocks for bidding. The move is part of the government's ongoing strategy to monetize its coal assets and raise funds for fiscal consolidation.
The blocks, located across several coal‑rich regions, are being sold on a commercial basis, meaning that successful bidders will obtain the right to mine and sell the coal without any subsidy from the government. While the exact revenue expectations have not been disclosed, officials say the auction is expected to generate a substantial contribution to the exchequer.
Interested parties from both the private sector and public enterprises can submit bids through an online portal, with the auction timeline and detailed block profiles made available on the Ministry’s website. The auction process follows the guidelines set out in the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act and aims to ensure transparency and competition.
This is the 16th such commercial auction since the policy shift in 2015, following earlier rounds that saw several blocks transferred to private operators. The latest round reflects the government's continued emphasis on unlocking value from its mineral resources while meeting the country's growing energy demand.
Analysts note that the successful disposal of these blocks could improve the supply chain for thermal power plants and reduce dependence on imported coal, thereby supporting India's energy security goals.
The blocks, located across several coal‑rich regions, are being sold on a commercial basis, meaning that successful bidders will obtain the right to mine and sell the coal without any subsidy from the government. While the exact revenue expectations have not been disclosed, officials say the auction is expected to generate a substantial contribution to the exchequer.
Interested parties from both the private sector and public enterprises can submit bids through an online portal, with the auction timeline and detailed block profiles made available on the Ministry’s website. The auction process follows the guidelines set out in the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act and aims to ensure transparency and competition.
This is the 16th such commercial auction since the policy shift in 2015, following earlier rounds that saw several blocks transferred to private operators. The latest round reflects the government's continued emphasis on unlocking value from its mineral resources while meeting the country's growing energy demand.
Analysts note that the successful disposal of these blocks could improve the supply chain for thermal power plants and reduce dependence on imported coal, thereby supporting India's energy security goals.