The Ministry of Coal’s latest commercial coal mine auction has witnessed a robust response, highlighting the growing interest of companies in India’s evolving coal sector. As part of the 11th round and the second attempt of the 10th round, bids were opened today, revealing significant participation from both established firms and new entrants. A total of 20 coal mines received bids out of the 27 that were put up for auction.
The online bid opening process was conducted transparently, with bidders witnessing the decryption of electronic submissions, followed by the opening of physical bid documents. In total, 70 bids were received online, while 72 were submitted in physical form. The 11th round alone saw 65 bids across 15 coal mines, whereas the second attempt of the 10th round had five coal mines receiving single bids each.
The response from the industry has been remarkable, with 46 companies actively participating in the auction process. Notably, more than 15 companies, including a subsidiary of Coal India, joined the bidding for the first time. The presence of new players signals confidence in the government’s policies aimed at boosting commercial coal mining and enhancing domestic production. Companies such as Jindal Power Limited, JSW Steel Ltd, Sarda Energy and Mineral Ltd, and Odisha Coal and Power Limited were among the key participants, underscoring the strategic importance of coal in India’s energy and industrial sectors.
The commercial coal mining initiative plays a crucial role in India’s economic growth, ensuring a steady supply of coal for industries such as power, steel, and cement. As the nation moves towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, the coal sector remains a vital pillar of this expansion. With increased private sector participation, the industry is poised for further modernization and efficiency gains.
The bids will now undergo evaluation by a multi-disciplinary Technical Evaluation Committee, which will shortlist the technically qualified bidders. These selected companies will then participate in the final electronic auction conducted through the MSTC portal. The outcome of this auction will further define the trajectory of India’s coal sector, ensuring its continued contribution to the country’s industrial and economic development.
