- Indermani, KSK emerge as leading buyers
- Strong bids observed for power-grade coal
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) conducted two spot e-auctions on 6 and 7 May 2025, collectively allocating 784,350 tonnes (t) (0.78 million tonnes) of non-coking coal across six grades. G11 dominated allocations, accounting for over 52% of the total volume. Robust buyer participation kept average bid premiums above notified prices by nearly 21%, with premiums peaking in the G10 segment.
Auction highlights
On 7 May, G11 emerged as the most allocated grade, with 413,550 t booked at an average price of INR 1,418/t, against a notified tag of INR 1,181/t. Nearly the entire G11 volume came from the Gevra open-cast (OC) mine, while smaller quantities were sourced from Kusmunda OC, RLS Laxman, and Gevra Road Siding. G10 followed with 111,100 t from Dipka OC, commanding the highest average bid price of INR 1,628/t – a 20% premium over its notified rate.
G15 allocations stood at 89,700 t, largely from Chhal OC and Bijari OC, with a winning price of INR 882/t, in line with the floor price. G14 from Baroud OC and G11 and G10 from other OCs rounded out the volumes.
In the 6 May auction, only G12 was offered, with 55,000 t booked at INR 1,318/t, a 20% increase over the notified price.
High allocations from Gevra, Dipka OCs
Among mining areas, Gevra OC led the auction with over 409,000 t of G11 offered and fully allocated. Dipka OC followed, contributing significantly to the G10 segment. Kusmunda and Chhal OCs also registered high bookings, affirming strong industrial demand across SECL’s key mining regions.
Top buyers: Indermani, KSK dominate
Indermani Mineral India Pvt Ltd emerged as the top buyer on 6 May, securing 50,000 t of G12. On 7 May, KSK Mahanadi Power Company Limited led purchases with 200,000 t booked at a substantial premium. Other major buyers included Rama Coal Washeries (100,000 t), BALCO (58,000 t), Vedanta (48,000 t), and Agarwal Coal Corporation (30,000 t).
Market insight
The May auctions highlight continued demand for low-GCV coal, primarily from the power and industrial sectors, with grades such as G10 and G11 attracting healthy premiums.
As of 13 May 2025, domestic coal prices softened by INR 100/t w-o-w, with 4500 GCV assessed at INR 4,400/t and 5000 GCV at INR 4,850/t, according to BigMint’s assessment. The price drop could be attributed to surplus availability and subdued buying interest.
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