India: Ministry of Coal announces 15th round of commercial coal mine auctions

• Mixed (fully & partially explored) blocks offered with investor-friendly terms
  
  
• Likely to raise output, cut imports, and strengthen energy security
  
  

The Ministry of Coal has launched the 15th round of commercial coal mine auctions on 17 April 2026 in Mumbai, with the event inaugurated by secretary, coal, Vikram Dev Dutt.

This round marks another milestone in India's ongoing coal sector reforms, building on the commercial mining framework introduced in 2020 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The initiative has progressively strengthened transparency, enhanced competition, and improved investor confidence, contributing to higher domestic coal production and bolstering the country's energy security.

The 15th auction round offers a mix of fully and partially explored coal blocks under investor-friendly terms to encourage wider participation. Building on the success of earlier rounds, it is expected to boost domestic coal output, reduce import dependence, and strengthen supply security while attracting fresh investments and enhancing competition in the sector.

Additionally,Ministry of Coal has also launched the second attempt of the 13th tranche under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. A total of six coal blocks have been offered for auction across key coal-bearing states - Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.