On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the Coal Ministry is poised to kick off its fourteenth round of commercial coal mine auctions. This upcoming round is particularly noteworthy for its introduction of underground coal gasification (UGC) provisions, a first for the framework. Beyond offering a fresh selection of fully and partially explored blocks, this inclusion marks a significant leap in India’s energy strategy.
Underground coal gasification (UGC) is an innovative mining technique that transforms carbon fuel from deep-seated reserves into a gas mixture, commonly known as synthetic gas or syngas, all while the coal or lignite remains undisturbed underground. The Coal Ministry highlights that this forward-thinking step is expected to decrease India’s dependence on imported natural gas and crude oil. Furthermore, it aims to open up exciting new avenues for investment, foster technological advancements, and create numerous employment opportunities across various related sectors.
The commercial auction framework, initially launched in 2020, was designed to enhance transparency, stimulate competition, and ensure greater coal availability for domestic industries, thereby curbing import reliance. Since its inception, a total of 130 blocks have successfully been allocated through this auction process, collectively boasting a peak rated capacity of approximately 267.24 million tonnes per annum.
In addition to the new auction round, the Coal Ministry will also unveil the Coal Land Acquisition, Management, and Payment (CLAMP) portal and the Koyla Shakti Dashboard. The CLAMP portal will serve as a centralized repository for land records, facilitating real-time data integration and monitoring across all public sector undertakings involved in coal. Meanwhile, the Koyla Shakti Dashboard will act as a unified interface, integrating the entire coal value chain from mines to markets, aiming to significantly boost operational efficiency and real-time coordination within the sector.