India: 0.18 mnt of non-coking coal booked in latest SECL auction

• G9 accounts for 44% of total allocations
• Indermani Mineral emerges as top buyer

South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) conducted a spot e-auction on 23 April 2025, allocating 183,850 tonnes (t) (0.18 million tonnes) of non-coking coal across five grades. G9 emerged as the most allocated grade, accounting for 44% of the total volume, with strong competition driving bid premiums to as high as 69% above the notified prices.

Auction highlights

G9 alone accounted for 80,000 t, booked at an average winning price of INR 3,042/t against the notified price of INR 1,502/t. The material was sourced entirely from Jagannathpur OC. G4 followed with 60,000 t booked at an average of INR 4,140/t, with major volumes coming from Vijay West UG and Rani Atari UG.

G15 witnessed a total allocation of 29,000 t from Chhal OC, booked at INR 882/t, which was aligned with its floor price. Higher-GCV grades such as G7 and G8 also saw allocations of 7,500 t and 7,350 t, respectively, with winning prices reaching up to INR 3,490/t for G7.

High allocations from Jagannathpur OC, Vijay West UG

Jagannathpur OC dominated the auction volumes, offering the entire 80,000 t of G9 grade coal. Vijay West UG and Rani Atari UG contributed significantly to the G4 segment, with allocations at higher premiums, indicating sustained demand for superior quality coal from underground mines.

Buyer participation: Indermani Mineral, Hind Unitrade lead

Indermani Mineral India Pvt Ltd topped the buyers’ list, securing 12,000 t at an average winning price of INR 882/t. Hind Unitrade Private Limited followed closely, with 11,650 t booked at INR 2,953/t. Beekay Steel Industries, Vimla Infrastructure, and Ambika Iron and Minerals were among other major participants, together lifting significant tonnages across varied grades.

Market insight

Overall, the auction reflected strong buyer interest, especially for high-GCV coal grades. Prices of higher grades saw notable premiums over reserve prices, suggesting steady end-user demand, particularly from industrial and steel sectors.