Government Auctions Six Coal Blocks in 15th Round

The Ministry of Coal auctioned six coal blocks on 4 August 2026 under the 15th round and a supplementary phase of the 13th round of commercial coal mine auctions. The blocks together have geological reserves of more than 1,503 million tonnes and a cumulative Peak Rated Capacity of 11.62 million tonnes per annum.

Commercial Coal Mining in India

Commercial coal mining auctions in India began in 2020 after the opening of the coal sector to private participation. The auction process allows private and public entities to bid for coal blocks for sale of coal in the open market and for captive use, subject to the terms of the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) framework.

Details of the Auctioned Blocks

The six auctioned blocks are Dip Side Extension of PKOC in Telangana, Dongeri Tal-II and Mandla South in Madhya Pradesh, Margo East and Margo West in Jharkhand, and Tara (Revised) in Chhattisgarh. Four blocks are fully explored and two blocks are partially explored, which is a standard classification used in coal resource assessment.

• Dip Side Extension of PKOC was awarded to The Singareni Collieries Company Limited.
• Dongeri Tal-II was awarded to Gallantt Ispat Limited.
• Mandla South was awarded to Qube Commercial Private Limited.
• Margo East and Margo West were awarded to Jharkhand Exploration and Mining Corporation Limited.
• Tara (Revised) was awarded to CG Syn-Gas and Chemicals Limited.

Production, Revenue and Employment Estimates

The Ministry of Coal estimates annual revenue of about ₹1,983 crore from these blocks. The projects are also expected to attract around ₹1,743 crore in capital investment and create more than 15,000 employment opportunities in coal-bearing regions.

Important Facts for Exams

• Coal is classified in India as a major source of thermal energy and industrial fuel.
• Peak Rated Capacity, or PRC, is the maximum annual output a mine is designed to produce under planned operating conditions.
• Geological reserves refer to the estimated quantity of coal present in a block before mining losses are applied.
• Commercial coal mining auctions have been used to expand private participation in India’s coal sector since 2020.

Coal Sector Allocation Since 2020

Since the start of commercial coal mining auctions in 2020, the government has allocated 147 coal blocks with a combined production capacity of 377.97 million tonnes per annum. The auction process is used to increase domestic coal output, reduce import dependence, ensure energy security, and attract private investment.