Coal & Lignite Exploration: India Hits the Accelerator

The Coal Ministry has streamlined the approval process for coal and lignite exploration in India to boost business efficiency and support sustainable resource development. The revised system removes the requirement for clearance from the government panel introduced in 2022, thereby simplifying the approval of exploration programmes and geological report evaluations.

Under the new framework, accredited prospecting agencies (APAs) certified by QCI–NABET can independently conduct exploration activities without additional government oversight. This reform is expected to accelerate coal and lignite exploration to meet India’s rising energy demand.

By leveraging private-sector expertise and fostering technological innovation, the government aims to make exploration more efficient, transparent, and responsive to national energy preparedness goals, reflecting its commitment to progressive sectoral reforms.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.