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14th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions launched: UCG Provision first time
29th October 2025
The Ministry of Coal has launched the 14th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions, marking another milestone in India`s journey toward energy self-sufficiency and sustainable growth
The Ministry of Coal has successfully auctioned 133 coal mines across 12 rounds of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions, with a Peak Rated Capacity (PRC) of~276 million tonnes per annum (MTPA)
Notably, for the first time, provisions for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) have been introduced in the 14th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions, reflecting the Ministry’s commitment to technological advancement and sustainable coal utilization
Under the 14th Round, a total of 41 coal mines have been offered, of which 21 mines possess UCG potential, opening new avenues for the underground gasification of deep-seated coal reserves
Of these 41 mines, 20 are fully explored and 21 are partially Eeplored, offering a balanced mix of opportunities for investors and developers
The round includes 5 mines under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 (CMSP) and 36 under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR)
Union Minister of Coal and Mines underscored that one of the most significant features of this tranche is the focus on Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) an innovative technology being promoted for the first time in the auction process. Nearly 40% of India`s coal reserves lie deep underground, beyond the reach of conventional mining methods
This innovative step is expected to reduce dependence on imported natural gas and crude oil while unlocking new avenues for investment, technological advancement, and employment generation across related sectors
Referring to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Minister informed that pilot UCG projects are exempted from environmental clearance, ensuring faster implementation. He added that the Government, through a Whole-of-Government Approach, is working in close coordination to accelerate the pace of coal gasification. The success of this initiative, he emphasized, will depend on collaboration between the Government, private industry, and academia