Domestic Coal Production Crosses 1 Bn Tonnes, Demand To Hit 1.6 Bn By 2030: Coal Ministry

(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Sep 25 (KNN) Domestic coal production crossed 1 billion tonnes in 2024-25, with demand expected to reach 1.6 billion tonnes by 2030, the Ministry of Coal and Mines said.

Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, addressing the Energy Leadership Summit organised by ET, said the government is positioning coal as a driver of green growth.

The Coal Gasification Mission targets 100 million tonnes by 2030, supported by an Rs 8,500 crore incentive scheme, with seven projects already in progress.

Coal PSUs are also diversifying into renewables, having added 1,900 MW of solar and wind capacity and setting a target of 15 GW by 2030. Neyveli Lignite Corporation accounts for more than 10 GW of this planned capacity.

On the environmental front, the ministry reported that over 57,000 hectares of mined land have been reclaimed, with another 16,000 hectares to be restored by 2030 under Mission GREEN Coal Regions.

The government's mining reforms have seen 542 mineral blocks auctioned, including 34 critical minerals, with private and junior exploration agencies now onboarded.

New technologies such as drone surveys, AI-driven modelling, and remote sensing are being deployed to accelerate exploration. Thirteen exploration licences have already been awarded under this framework.

India is also strengthening its international presence in critical minerals through the National Critical Minerals Mission.

KABIL, a joint venture, has acquired lithium blocks in Argentina, while overseas nodal officers are enhancing mineral diplomacy.

Domestically, a Rs 1,500 crore incentive scheme for recycling critical minerals and the establishment of Centres of Excellence are expected to boost advanced research and capacity building.

(KNN Bureau)

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