India is all set to commence its 14th round of commercial coal mine auctions onOctober 29,2025 a major step towards the country’s self-reliance in energy sector. For the first time, underground coal gasification (UCG) — an advanced technology to access deep-seated coal that cannot be mined conventionally — will have a place in the auction mechanism.
Underground Coal Gasification: A Game-Changer
UCG has been introduced strategically to lessen dependency of India on imported natural gas and shale oil. This technology creates additional investment and employment opportunities throughout the value chain, while making possible further technological progress. The government’s target is to gasify 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030, as part of efforts to reduce dependence on energy imports and support a blueprint for an environmentally-friendly future.
Liberal Terms and Wider Participation
In 14th round of auctions for the block, both fully explored and partially explored coal blocks would be put on sale and it will be open for bidding from miners who are already in operation, new players or companies that utilise technology to mine. The liberal terms aim to facilitate ease of doing business, diversify investment and increase industry participation. This system has already revolutionised India’s coal sector since the beginning of commercial auctions in 2020, increasing domestic production and reducing dependence on imports.
Digital Transformation: CLAMP and Koyla Shakti
In conjuction with the auction, the Ministry of Coal will also launch two new digital platforms:
- CLAMP Portal: It is Coal Land Acquisition, Management and Payment portal will automate the process of land acquisition, compensation and rehabilitation, helping improve transparency and efficiency in operations across coal PSUs.
- Koyla Shakti Dashboard: Koyla Shakti Dashboard covers the entire coal chain for better co-ordination between pick-up and drop points, with options of both mines and powerhouses. It seeks to minimize logistics and reinforce supply chain management in a bid to fulfill the government’s vision of self-sufficiency in energy.
Broader Impact and Vision
From the portal of commercial coal mine auction to enhanced domestic production followed by specific allocation initiative, held three days back in context of AGR meeting, have powered India towards self-reliance. UCG introduction and digital platforms are going to add more transparency, ease and competitiveness in the field. These schemes are in line with one of the core aspects of Vision Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and Viksit Bharat (developed India), to push for reforms, provide the necessary economic stimulus and drive further growth into a responsible coal mining industry.
India’s coal sector is ready to make a transformative leap through technology and digitalisation to be able to meet the country”s future energy demand with its abundant coal resources, according to a report from World Economic Forum.