from VANSHIKA CHAUDHARY in New Delhi, India
Special Correspondent
NEW DELHI, (CAJ News) – INDIA produced over 1 billion tonnes of coal in the 2024–25 financial year, Coal and Mines Minister Kishan Reddy announced.
In a parliamentary response, Reddy said the country aims to boost output further to 1.13 billion tonnes by 2029–30.
To meet this goal, the government has introduced measures including single-window clearance for projects, regulatory reforms, expanded mining operations, and 100% foreign direct investment in commercial coal mining.
The Coal Ministry is also accelerating coal block development and allowing mine owners to sell surplus coal on the open market. A dedicated Coking Coal Mission has been launched to reduce steel sector imports.
While domestic output rises, India still imports coal for specific needs—mainly coking and higher-grade non-coking coal not readily available at home. Coal currently powers about 70% of India’s electricity.
Separately, India plans to produce 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen annually within five years, as part of its shift toward cleaner energy.
– CAJ News