India boosts energy security with record coal production

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India’s domestic coal reserves continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring the nation’s energy security, accounting for 55% of its total energy needs. According to a press release by the Ministry of Coal, the country’s proven coal and lignite reserves stand at a staggering 389.42 billion tonnes and 47.29 billion tonnes, respectively, as of April 1, 2024.

Record coal production

The government’s focus on enhancing domestic coal production has yielded remarkable results. In the financial year 2023-24, India achieved its highest-ever coal production of 997.83 million tonnes (MT), marking an 11.71% growth compared to the previous year. Provisional data for 2024-25 (up to February 2025) indicates a production of 929.15 MT, reflecting a 5.45% increase over the same period last year.

Technological advancements and policy reforms

To boost efficiency and safety, coal companies have adopted advanced technologies such as Continuous Miners (CMs) in underground mines and Surface Miners in opencast mines. Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) is also being utilized for overburden removal.

Key policy measures to accelerate production include:

• Commercial Mining Auctions: Launched in 2020, this scheme offers incentives like a 50% rebate for early production and coal gasification.
• Single Window Clearance Portal: Streamlines approvals for faster mine operationalization.
• MMDR Amendment Act (2021): Allows captive mines to sell up to 50% of their annual production in the open market.

Reducing coal imports

While coal imports remain under Open General Licence (OGL), the government is actively working to curb dependency. The Coking Coal Mission aims to reduce imports for the steel sector. Data shows a decline in coal imports in 2024-25 (till December 2024), with total imports dropping by 8.38% in quantity and 18.10% in value compared to the previous year.

Sustainable mining practices

Environmental sustainability remains a priority. Coal mines adhere to strict Environment Management Plans (EMPs), including measures like bio-reclamation, mine water utilization for communities, and eco-parks. Regulatory bodies like the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) monitor compliance.

Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, emphasized these achievements in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, highlighting India’s commitment to energy self-reliance and environmental responsibility.

For further details, refer to the Press Information Bureau release.

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