“Imported coal-based steel and power projects must look for opportunities to switch to using domestic coal," India will continue focusing on coal-based power, union coal and mines minister G Kishan Reddy said Thursday. Speaking at an event to launch the 11th round of commercial coal mine auctions, he said, "Power is not possible without coal, and life is not possible without power."
According to Reddy, there are nations that are facing power shortages, stunting their growth, but India is not one of them.
Highlighting the coal production target for this fiscal, Reddy said the centre is confident of producing 1080 million tonnes of coal in 2024-25.
He said efforts must be made to lower coal imports for both power and steel projects. "Imported coal-based steel and power projects must look for opportunities to switch to using domestic coal," he said.
An official statement said 27 coal mines are being offered in this round. Of these, 20 coal mines will be offered for bidding, comprising 10 Fully Explored and 10 Partially Explored blocks. Another seven coal mines are from the second attempt of round 10 that are being offered.
These mines are projected to generate annual revenue of approximately INR 1,446 crores at peak-rated capacity, the statement added.
