- Govt includes underground coal gasification for first time
- Fresh set of fully and partially explored coal blocks on offer
The Ministry of Coal has launched the 14th round of commercial coal mine auctions on 29 October 2025 in New Delhi. The event was inaugurated by Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy.
Marking another significant milestone in India’s coal sector reforms, the 14th round continues the momentum of the commercial auction regime introduced in 2020 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Over the years, the initiative has enhanced transparency, competition, and investor confidence, resulting in higher domestic coal output and improved energy security.
This round offers a fresh set of fully and partially explored coal blocks under liberal terms designed to promote ease of doing business and attract wider industry participation. A key highlight of the 14th round is the introduction of Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) provisions within the auction framework – an innovative step aimed at utilising deep coal reserves that are otherwise uneconomical to mine. The initiative is expected to boost indigenous energy production, reduce import dependence, and open new opportunities for investment, technology, and employment.
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