(a) whether the Government is currently working out the modalities with other Ministries on the topic of auctioning of coal mines to private sector entities for commercial mining and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether any material outcome is unlikely in the near future as CIL is likely to remain the dominant commercial coal supplier in India despite initial steps have been taken towards the creation of a competitive coal market in India; and
(c) if so, the details thereof ?
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COAL, FINANCE AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS
(SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)
(a): The methodology for auction of coal mines/blocks for sale of coal under the provisions of the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 has been approved by the Government and Order in this regard has been issued on 27.02.2018. A copy of the Order is attached with the reply.
(b) & (c): The methodology would ensure distribution of natural resources in a fair and transparent manner within the ambit of existing law and shall also provide fair play and develop a rational approach in the auction of coal mines. Auction of coal mines for sale of coal is expected to bring efficiency into the coal sector due to increased competition and deployment of best possible technology into the sector including in Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries.
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