The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has received approval from SEBI to invest in the proposed National Coal Exchange of India Limited, marking a significant step towards setting up a formalised platform for physical coal trading in the country.

The clearance, granted under Regulation 38(2) of the SECC Regulations, 2018, enables NSE to move ahead with its plans to back the new exchange, which aims to introduce electronic spot trading in coal through standardised contracts. The platform is expected to facilitate transparent price discovery and establish clear settlement mechanisms for participants such as producers, consumers and traders.

Following the regulatory nod, the company is expected to approach the Coal Controller Organisation to obtain the necessary licence for setting up the coal exchange under applicable rules.

The initiative aligns with the Centre’s ongoing reforms in the coal sector, including the push for commercial mining and liberalised coal sales. The proposed exchange is seen as a step towards building a more structured, transparent and efficient market for coal transactions, subject to incorporation of the entity and further regulatory approvals.

Earlier this week, NSE also secured approval from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for reserving the name National Coal Exchange of India Limited, a preliminary step in the incorporation process.

Published on April 18, 2026