Most of the requirement of coal in the country is met through indigenous production. The focus of the Government is on increasing domestic production of coal and eliminate non-essential import of coal in the country. In the year 2021-22, coal production increased by 8.67% over the previous year. During the current year till February, 2023, domestic coal production has increased by over 15% compared to the same period of last year. The domestic coal production is estimated to increase to more than 1BT in 2023-24.
The details of domestic production of thermal coal and import of thermal coal with value during the last five years are given below :-
| (Quantity in Million Tonne & Value in Million Rs.) | |||
| Year | Domestic Production of | Import of thermal Coal | |
| Thermal Coal | Qty | Value | |
| 2017-18 | 635.25 | 161.25 | 789543.41 |
| 2018-19 | 687.59 | 183.51 | 988707.26 |
| 2019-20 | 677.94 | 196.7 | 914652.23 |
| 2020-21 | 671.3 | 164.05 | 706688.44 |
| 2021-22 | 726.49 | 151.77 | 1257459.99 |
Government has initiated several steps to ramp up domestic coal production in the country in order to achieve self-reliance. Some of the major initiatives undertaken include Single Window Clearance, amendment of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 to allow captive mines to sell up to 50% of their annual production after meeting the requirement of the end use plants, production through MDO mode, increasing use of mass production technologies, new projects and expansion of existing projects, and auction of coal blocks to private companies/PSUs. 100% Foreign Direct Investment has also been allowed for commercial mining.
This information was given by Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
