Coal Ministers call for faster reforms, coal gasification and technology adoption
Panaji, Nov 5 (TNT) : Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy on Thursday called upon States to accelerate coal gasification, expand mineral exploration and adopt advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to strengthen India’s energy security and mining sector.
Addressing the 4th Conference of Mining Ministers on Reforms in the Mines and Coal Sector in Goa, he said sustained reforms under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi had enhanced transparency, efficiency and professionalism in the coal and mining sectors, strengthening their contribution to economic growth.
Emphasising the importance of coal gasification, Reddy said it would help unlock the economic value of India’s abundant domestic coal resources, promote industrial diversification, generate employment and strengthen long-term energy security.
Highlighting the strategic importance of critical minerals amid changing global geopolitical developments, he stressed the need to strengthen domestic exploration, mining, processing, refining and recycling capabilities to reduce import dependence and build a self-reliant mineral ecosystem.
He urged State Governments to harness AI, digitalisation and advanced technologies in mineral exploration, mining operations and mineral recovery to improve productivity, operational efficiency and sustainability.
The Union Minister also called upon States to expedite the operationalisation of auctioned mines, accelerate fresh block auctions and expand exploration activities. Mining reforms, he said, had helped strengthen State economies, attract investments, generate employment and increase revenues while promoting development in mining-affected regions.
Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey stressed the need for sustainable and responsible mining, environmental protection, mine rehabilitation and the welfare of communities in mining-affected areas.
He called for increased coal production through safe and modern mining technologies, greater coal gasification, innovations in coal utilisation and initiatives such as First Mile Connectivity.
He also urged States to incorporate post-mining rehabilitation and alternative livelihood opportunities for local communities into mining plans from the beginning.
Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt said domestic coal production had crossed one billion tonnes for the second consecutive year, marking an important milestone in strengthening energy security and reducing dependence on imported coal.
Highlighting key reforms, including commercial coal mining, the revised SHAKTI framework and Coal SETU, he stressed the need for greater private sector participation, simplified procedures and faster operationalisation of coal mines.
Coal gasification offered significant opportunities for value addition, industrial diversification and employment generation, he said, urging coal-bearing States to facilitate investments, infrastructure development and faster project implementation.
Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Coal Rupinder Brar made a presentation on recent coal sector reforms, their impact on ease of doing business and the challenges and expectations from States.
The two-day conference, organised by the Union Ministry of Mines which began on Thursday, brought together Mining Ministers from various States and senior Central and State Government officials to discuss reforms, investment opportunities, operational challenges and best practices in the mining sector.
The deliberations emphasised stronger Centre-State coordination and cooperative federalism to accelerate reforms, promote sustainable mining and unlock the potential of India’s coal and mineral resources, contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
TNT KM
