Indian Coal Mining Sector Sees Strong Interest in 11th Auction Round

India's growing energy and industrial needs have resulted in industry leaders showing major interest during the 11th commercial coal mine auction process. Among the 46 bidding companies for 20 of 27 offered coal blocks are JSW Steel, Jindal Steel and Power, Adani Natural Resources, Western Coalfields and Damodar Valley Corporation.

The coal ministry received 70 total bids, and numerous companies sought to acquire several blocks in their submissions. Seven out of eight coal deposit blocks in the auction belong to non-coking categories, while the remaining block serves coking coal. "This round received unprecedented responses from the bidders," the ministry stated, underscoring the increasing competition in the sector.

Coal India subsidiary became one of 15 new participants who joined the bids during their first attempt due to increased private sector interest in commercial coal mining. Bharat Aluminium Company, together with The Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation, Orissa Metaliks, Lloyds Metal, and Odisha Coal and Power, joined The Mining Block 1 of the Guali area in Chhattisgarh as bidders.

A multi-disciplinary committee will conduct a technical evaluation before selecting qualified bidders for electronic auction. The final selection of companies that will access Indian coal reserves will occur through an MSTC portal bidding process.

With increasing industrial demand and policy support for commercial mining, this auction round marks another step toward India's goal of energy self-sufficiency and a robust coal sector.