This round will offer a fresh set of fully explored and partially explored coal blocks, inviting participation from experienced miners, new entrants, and technology-driven enterprises alike.

The Coal Ministry set to launch the 15th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions, on April 17, 2026. 

The event will be held in Mumbai and will be graced by Vikram Dev Dutt Secretary, Ministry of Coal, as the Chief Guest. 

The initiative reflects the Ministry’s sustained commitment to supporting India’s growing energy needs and advancing the vision of a self-reliant nation, the Ministry said. 

Building on the resounding success of commercial coal mine auctions, the Ministry of Coal continues to strengthen India’s energy landscape with a renewed focus on growth, efficiency, and self-reliance. 

Since the launch of commercial coal mining in 2020i, the initiative has significantly enhanced domestic coal availability and reinforced the nation’s energy security.

The upcoming 15^th round continues this progressive journey, offering coal mines under the most liberal terms to promote ease of doing business, attract diverse investments, and encourage wider industry participation. 

This round will offer a fresh set of fully explored and partially explored coal blocks, inviting participation from experienced miners, new entrants, and technology-driven enterprises alike.

 It is expected to further energise the coal sector by fostering a vibrant and competitive ecosystem, while paving the way for enhanced investments, employment generation, and overall sectoral growth, the Ministry emphasised.

In the last 13 Rounds of commercial coal mine auctions, a total of 136 blocks have been allotted to successful bidders. Of this, around 117 blocks have been won by the private sector.

Online bidding process

The auctions are conducted in a two-stage online bidding process, which involves technical screening and submission of competitive initial price offer in the first stage, and a second and final stage where better price offers are intended to be received.

The auctions assume importance in view of India’s rising consumption of the Dey fuel by the power sector and industries. The Coal Ministry has set a domestic production target of about 1.5 Billion Tonne (BT) by FY30.

Last year, the International Energy Agency (IEA) in its world energy employment report said that India’s push to expand commercial coal mining is leading to a “resurgence” in coal supply jobs with the workforce growing by 74,000 positions in 2024 with the trend likely to continue. 

Published on April 16, 2026