Jindal Steel, NLC India Among 27 Bidders for 11 Coal Blocks

India’s commercial coal mining sector has witnessed strong participation in its 12th round of auctions. Jindal Steel, NLC India and 25 other companies have submitted bids for 11 coal mines, highlighting renewed interest in the coal blocks offered by the Ministry of Coal. This auction saw over 10 new participants, pointing toward increased private sector enthusiasm.

Overview of the 12th Round Coal Block Auction

The Ministry of Coal has reported that a total of 27 companies took part in the bidding process for 22 coal mines in the 12th round of commercial coal block auctions. Bids were received for 11 out of the 22 blocks on offer, totalling 41 bids submitted both physically and online.

The auction excluded 6 underground blocks and is being conducted on the MSTC platform. The participation signals growing reinvigoration of India’s coal sector, where private and public sector entities vie for substantial resources.

Major Bidders in the Auction Include Jindal Steel and NLC India

Among the leading bidders are  

• Jindal Steel and Power Ltd 
• NLC India Ltd 
• Western Coalfields Ltd (Coal India subsidiary)

Other companies that submitted bids include:

• Adas Mining and Infra Pvt Ltd 
• Alom Solar Pvt Ltd 
• Amalgam Steel and Power Ltd 
• AMPL Resources Pvt Ltd 
• Damodar Valley Corporation 
• Godawari Commodities Ltd 
• KSK Mahanadi Power Company Ltd 
• MSP Mines and Minerals Ltd 
• Nilkanth Special Minerals Pvt Ltd 
• Nuravi Infrastructure Projects Pvt Ltd 
• Oriental Quarries and Mines Pvt Ltd 
• Orissa Alloy Steel Pvt Ltd 
• Orissa Metallurgical Industry Pvt Ltd 
• Sunflag Iron & Steel Co Ltd

The ministry noted that this round saw the highest level of new bidder participation since the launch of the commercial auctions in 2020.

Technical Evaluation and Next Steps

The Ministry stated that all submitted bids will undergo scrutiny by a multi-disciplinary Technical Evaluation Committee. Only Technically Qualified Bidders will be invited to participate in the electronic auction phase, which is scheduled to be conducted on the MSTC platform.

This structured evaluation aims to ensure transparency and fairness in awarding coal mining rights and further encourages more players to enter the sector under stringent guidelines.

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Background: Opening of Coal Sector to Private Players

The Indian coal industry was largely government-dominated until 2020, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the commercial coal auction process, opening 41 blocks to private entities. The goal was to enhance domestic coal availability and reduce reliance on imports.

These reforms have enabled more companies across various industries to tap into coal reserves, paving the way for diversifying energy sources, securing raw materials and boosting economic activity.

Response to Current Auction and Industry Outlook

The ministry said 38 bids were placed against eight coal blocks under the 12th round. In addition, under the second attempt of the 11th round, three coal blocks attracted one bid each.

Strong participation in these rounds indicates growing confidence in India’s coal strategy. It reflects companies’ intent to secure long-term coal supplies and increase vertical integration, especially in industries like steel, power and cement. The growing interest from fresh bidders could introduce new competitiveness in pricing, mining efficiencies and coal distribution.

Conclusion

The 12th round of the commercial coal mine auction has attracted bids from both experienced and new players, indicating rising trust in India’s restructured mining policies. With 41 bids submitted for 11 coal blocks, the energy landscape looks poised for increased private involvement, potentially supporting India’s ambitions to become the 3rd-largest global economy.

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