New Delhi: Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy on Wednesday said India’s coal and mineral sectors are driving a historic transformation by balancing the country’s rising energy demand with sustainability.
At a media event, he explained that coal production and dispatch touched 1 billion tonnes in 2024-25. Demand, he said, could rise to 1.6 billion tonnes by 2030.
“To meet this demand and still promote green growth, we are turning coal into a driver of sustainability. The Coal Gasification Mission targets 100 million tonnes by 2030, backed by an ₹8,500 crore incentive scheme. Seven projects have already begun,” Reddy stated.
Coal PSUs are also diversifying aggressively into renewable energy. They have installed 1,900 MW of solar and wind capacity, and they aim for 15 GW by 2030. Neyveli Lignite Corporation alone plans to add 10.11 GW.
On land restoration, Reddy said companies have already reclaimed more than 57,000 hectares of mined land. They aim to restore another 16,000 hectares by 2030 under Mission Green Coal Regions.
Highlighting mining reforms, he pointed out that the government has auctioned 542 mineral blocks, including 34 critical minerals. “We brought in private and junior exploration agencies for the first time. Drone surveys, AI-driven modelling, and remote sensing are fast-tracking exploration. So far, we have awarded 13 exploration licenses,” he added.
Speaking about India’s global strategy, Reddy said the National Critical Minerals Mission is building stockpiles and acquiring assets overseas. Government-owned KABIL has already secured lithium blocks in Argentina. Nodal officers posted abroad are strengthening India’s mineral diplomacy. A ₹1,500 crore incentive scheme for recycling critical minerals, along with new Centres of Excellence, will boost research and domestic capability.
Reddy concluded, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a clear vision of creating a Viksit Bharat by 2047 — a developed, prosperous, and self-reliant India.”
–IANS
