The Ministry of Coal has granted accreditation to 18 private agencies, authorising them to carry out prospecting activities for coal and lignite across the country. The approval has been issued under the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
With this notification, the selected private entities can now directly undertake exploration work without the need to obtain individual prospecting licences. According to the ministry, this reform is expected to significantly shorten the pre-mining timeline, potentially reducing mine development delays by up to six months.
The move aligns with the government’s broader strategy to open up the coal sector further, boost private participation, and improve the pace of resource identification. By expanding the pool of competent exploration agencies, the ministry aims to strengthen the domestic coal supply chain and support faster operationalisation of new mines.
The accreditation is part of an ongoing series of policy interventions designed to enhance transparency, increase efficiency in mine allocation, and ensure the timely availability of mineral resources essential for India’s growing energy needs.
