The Ministry of Coal announced that nine new captive and commercial coal mines are set to begin production in FY2025. This was revealed during a review meeting chaired by Additional Secretary Rupinder Brar, where the status of 64 coal mines was discussed. As of August 31, 2024, 55 mines are operational, with 33 allocated to the power sector and 12 to non-regulated sectors. The remaining 10 are focused on coal sales.

India's domestic coal production surged by 32% year-on-year, from 50.11 million tonnes (MT) in April-August 2023 to 65.99 MT in the same period this year. Coal dispatches also grew by 32%, reaching 73.58 MT.

Brar emphasized the need for allottees to meet their production targets to reduce reliance on imports, supporting the country’s energy security and the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.