Ministry of Coal Simplifies Approval System for Geological Reports to Boost Exploration Speed and Strengthen India’s Energy Security

The Ministry of Coal has simplified the methodology for approving exploration programmes and Geological Reports (GRs) for coal and lignite blocks.

As India’s energy demand continues to grow rapidly, the need for swift and technologically advanced exploration of coal and lignite reserves has become increasingly urgent. Recognizing this national priority, the Ministry of Coal has introduced a major reform aimed at improving efficiency, enabling faster decision-making, and supporting private sector-driven innovation in resource exploration.

This new reform reflects the Government of India’s broader commitment to building a modern, transparent, and future-ready exploration ecosystem that supports the larger vision of a self-reliant and energy-secure Bharat.

Key Reform: Streamlined Approval Process

The Ministry of Coal has simplified the methodology for approving exploration programmes and Geological Reports (GRs) for coal and lignite blocks. These reports are prepared by Notified Accredited Prospecting Agencies (APAs) certified by QCI-NABET, and reviewed by another accredited APA.

Under the new system:

• The mandatory approval from the 2022 committee is no longer required.

• The peer-review-based framework ensures accuracy, quality, and accountability.

• Approval timelines will now be reduced by at least 3 months.

This change marks a significant shift towards ease of doing business by reducing bureaucratic layers and accelerating operational readiness of coal blocks.

The revised methodology has been officially published by the Ministry and is publicly accessible through the Ministry of Coal’s website.

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🔹 Strengthening Private Sector Participation

By expanding the role of private Accredited Prospecting Agencies, the government is signalling strong confidence in private exploration capabilities. This approach enables:

• Faster deployment of modern exploration technology

• Greater use of digital mapping, AI, and geospatial tools

• Improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness

• Increased competitiveness aligned with global mining standards

This reform also ensures that the coal sector benefits from private innovation while maintaining rigorous technical oversight and transparency.

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🔹 National Impact: Faster Block Operationalisation

With earlier processes often delaying coal block development, the time savings generated through this new reform are expected to significantly accelerate the pace of:

• Geological reporting

• Statutory clearances

• Mine planning

• Development and production timelines

This acceleration will directly support the timely operationalisation of auctioned coal mines, helping coal block allottees meet mandated schedules and reduce dependency on imported coal.

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🔹 Driving India Toward Energy Independence

As coal remains a crucial component in India’s evolving energy mix—especially for industrial, thermal power, and steel sectors—such reforms will play a key role in:

• Strengthening domestic energy security

• Reducing import bills

• Supporting the manufacturing and power sectors

• Building a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) energy framework

The Ministry of Coal emphasized that further reforms, technological upgrades, and stakeholder collaboration will continue to support India’s transition toward a modern, sustainable, and resilient coal exploration ecosystem.

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 Vision Ahead

With this reform, India takes a significant step toward building a future-ready energy sector rooted in transparency, efficiency, and technological advancement. The modernization of exploration processes reinforces the government’s mission to create a robust and self-sustaining coal framework—fueling economic growth and powering the ambitions of a stronger, energy-secure nation.