(a) whether the Union Government has decided to auction several coal mines during 2017-18 and also decided to reserve some of the coal mines for commercial mining;
(b) if so, the details in this regard along with the locations of the mines and the rules for the said auctions; and
(c) the number of coal mines auctioned during the last two years and the benefits accrued to the Union Government as a result thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE (I/C) FOR COAL, POWER, NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND MINES
(SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)
(a) & (b): Allocation of coal mines / blocks, including allocations during 2017 – 18, is an ongoing process under the provisions of the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 and the Rules made thereunder. Decision to reserve coal mines for commercial mines has not been taken.
(c): So far, 82 coal mines have been allocated by way of auction / allotment under the provisions of the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 and the Rules made thereunder. Out of the 82 coal mines, 31 coal mines have been allocated through e-auction. The revenue from the auction of coal mines under the provisions of the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 comprises of Upfront Amount as prescribed in the tender document, Auction proceeds and Royalty on per tonne of coal production, which shall be devolving entirely to the coal bearing State Government. The revenue generated till January, 2017 from the auction of 31 coal mines is Rs. 17,47,72,47,706 /-.
*****