India: SECL auction reports sharp mine-wise premiums in coal auctions

• 554,000 t offered, 128,100 t allocated
• G9 from Dhelwadih sees 130% premium

South Eastern Coalfields Limited offered 554,000 t of non-coking coal on 31 January 2026 and allocated 128,100 t, sharply lower than 915,200 t allocated on 27 January. The auction reflected selective lifting with strong premiums in specific mines, while several bulk grades cleared at floor.

G9 from Dhelwadih mine recorded one of the steepest premiums, with 12,000 t clearing at INR 4,193/t against a floor of INR 1,803/t, implying a premium of over 130%. G4 from Rani Atari mine saw 20,000 t allocated at INR 4,458/t versus INR 3,935/t floor, up around 13%. G7 from Khairaha mine cleared 30,000 t at INR 3,287/t against INR 3,040/t, reflecting an 8% premium. G6 from Singhali mine was sold at INR 4,013/t compared with INR 3,305/t floor.

In contrast, G11 and G14 from Jampali mine, G10 from Chhal mine, and G14 from Baroud and Bijari mines cleared entirely at floor prices, indicating cautious utility-led buying. The overall average winning price stood at INR 2,972/t against an average floor of INR 2,527/t.

On the buyer side, Rungta Mines Limited emerged as the largest bidder with 24,000 t across G7 and G4 at an average of INR 4,050/t. Indermani Mineral India lifted 14,000 t of G14 at INR 1,113/t. Shelter Infra Developers secured 11,000 t across G4, G9 and G6 at elevated levels. Ambika Tradelink and Ambika Beneficiation lifted G10 and G11 at floor-linked prices, while HarMandar Coal and API Ispat were active in higher-premium parcels.

In a subsequent auction held on 3 February 2026, SECL offered 380,050 t of non-coking coal comprising only G11 grade from RLS Laxman mine, with the entire quantity allocated. The grade cleared at an average winning price of INR 1,486/t against a floor of INR 1,418/t, reflecting a premium of around 4.8%.

Bharat Aluminium Co. Ltd. emerged as the largest buyer with 128,000 t, followed by Jindal Power Limited with 100,000 t. Agarwal Coal Corporation lifted 28,000 t, while Sarda Metals and Utkal Alumina secured 24,000 t each. Other participants included Bluestone Commodities, Alphabet Minerals and UltraTech Cement unit Vikram Cement Works.

Compared with 27 January, allocations declined sharply, but price intensity increased in select mines, underscoring application-specific procurement rather than bulk restocking.