200+ coal blocks to be auctioned by 2024

The government hopes to throw open over 200 blocks for commercial coal mining in the next 5 years. These blocks are estimated to produce at least 400 million tonnes of coal at peak capacity. Some of the coal blocks being considered for this purpose include Chendipada I and II, Madanpur North, Fatehpur and Fatehpur East, Mahanadi and Machhakata. By the beginning of the following year, the Coal Ministry is likely to issue bidding rules for commercial coal mine auctions hold consultations with the concerned stakeholders next month.
“Some of the coal blocks being offered are fully explored, meaning reserves are known, while the others are partially explored with peak capacity not known. The combined annual peak rated capacity of the explored blocks is 400 million tonnes,” the official stated.