Ministry of Coal Introduces Simplified Approval for Coal Exploration
The Ministry of Coal introduced a simplified approval mechanism on 1 December 2025 for Exploration Programs and Geological Reports (GRs) for coal and lignite blocks. This procedural reform is aimed at accelerating exploration, enhancing transparency, and strengthening private sector participation to meet India’s rising energy demands.
Indian Bureau of Mines Specifies New Fees for Final Mine Closure Plan Approval
The Ministry of Mines has issued a notification specifying new non-refundable fees that must accompany the submission of a Final Mine Closure Plan document for approval. This order, issued on October 30, 2025, supersedes previous notifications and is enacted in pursuance of Section 18 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, read with Rule 24(1) of the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules 2017.
KOYLA SHAKTI Dashboard and CLAMP Launched for Coal Sector
Union Minister of Coal and Mines has launched two new digital platforms—the KOYLA SHAKTI Dashboard and the Coal Land Acquisition, Management, Portal (CLAMP)—on October 29, 2025. The Minister stated that KOYLA SHAKTI will serve as the digital backbone of India’s coal ecosystem, strengthening real-time coordination and enabling data-driven governance. He also highlighted CLAMP as a milestone in promoting transparent and citizen-centric governance, specifically reducing delays in land acquisition processes.
Centre Streamlines Mining Auction Process with New Rules
The Ministry of Mines has announced new changes to the process of granting mining leases and composite licences through auctions. The updated Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2025, notified on Friday, aim to make the system more transparent, time-bound, and accountable for both companies and State Governments. The changes focus on faster operationalisation of auctioned mineral blocks, clearer responsibilities, and financial penalties for unnecessary delays.
CERC Initiates Suo Motu Proceeding to Adjust Power Tariffs Following Coal Tax Overhaul
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has taken suo motu cognisance (on its own motion) of the recent statutory changes in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure for coal and has initiated proceedings (Petition No. 10/SM/2025) to determine the resultant impact on electricity tariffs. The CERC Order, dated October 1, 2025, acknowledges that the abolition of the Compensation Cess and the increase in the GST rate on coal constitute a Change in Law event, requiring a uniform regulatory direction to adjust monthly tariffs and facilitate the settlement of dues.
Coal Production from Captive and Commercial Mines Surges in May 2025
The Ministry of Coal has reported a robust performance in coal production and dispatch from Captive and Commercial Mines for May 2025, reflecting continued momentum in the sector and supporting the nation’s drive toward energy security and industrial growth.
CERC Notifies Escalation Rates for March 2025 in Line with Ministry of Power Guidelines
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has announced the monthly escalation rates applicable for March 2025. These rates pertain to the payment calculations for procurement of power by distribution licensees under long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
CERC Announces Monthly Escalation Rates for Power Procurement Payments in February 2025
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has issued a notification detailing the monthly escalation rates applicable for February 2025 for the purpose of payments related to the procurement of power by distribution licensees. These escalation rates are used to adjust the payment amounts in power purchase agreements to account for fluctuations in the costs of key components, such as imported coal and its transportation and handling.
Advice On FGD Technology Selection For Thermal Power Plants
The advisory provides an overview of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) regulations on emissions and water consumption, and offers guidance on choosing appropriate FGD technologies.
India Achieves Record Coal Production and Dispatch in December 2024
Between April 1 and December 31, 2024, total coal production from captive and commercial mines reached 131.05 million tons (MT), reflecting a 34.20% increase from 97.665 MT during the same period last year. December 2024 alone saw coal production surge to 18.40 MT, with a daily average production of 0.594 MT, a 30.75% increase compared to December 2023’s daily average of 0.445 MT.
India Steps Up Coal Production and Promotes Domestic Manufacturing
The Indian government has taken several significant steps to boost domestic coal production and reduce reliance on imports. While Rajasthan does not have substantial coal deposits, the government’s focus is on increasing overall domestic production and ensuring energy security for the nation.
India’s Commitment to Sustainable Mining Practices
The adoption of advanced mining technologies like surface mining, continuous mining, and highwall/longwall mining has minimized environmental impact and improved efficiency. By increasing the use of First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects, the government aims to reduce the reliance on road transportation, thereby reducing carbon emissions and air pollution.