Delhi Pushes Expansion Of Coal Mining To Strengthen Manufacturing And Energy Security
Delhi is accelerating plans to expand coal mining operations across India’s key coalfields to strengthen the nation’s manufacturing base and secure energy supply. Domestic coal output has struggled to meet growing industrial demand, forcing increased reliance on imports and exposing factories to price fluctuations and logistical risks. Industry experts highlight that boosting mining production is critical for powering steel plants, electricity generation, and heavy industry, forming the backbone of India’s broader economic and industrial growth.
Despite being among the world’s largest coal producers, India’s domestic output has plateaued in recent years. Production inefficiencies, ageing mines, and regulatory delays have prevented scaling to meet the surging energy needs of manufacturing sectors such as steel, cement, and power-intensive industries. During 2023–24, coal imports rose to offset shortfalls, creating vulnerabilities in cost and supply continuity, particularly at a time when global energy markets remain volatile.The challenge extends beyond quantity. Mines in regions like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha often face environmental clearances, land acquisition disputes, and infrastructure constraints, which delay production. Experts argue that these structural hurdles, combined with fragmented regulatory oversight, impede India’s ability to convert geological potential into reliable industrial output. Integrated strategies involving mining, logistics, and energy supply are therefore critical to ensure coal contributes effectively to industrial competitiveness.
Globally, nations with robust industrial growth treat coal and energy minerals as strategic infrastructure rather than revenue sources. Policies in China, the US, and Australia combine regulatory certainty, state-backed financing, and long-term offtake agreements to de-risk mining investment and accelerate production. India has begun moving in this direction, with reforms aimed at streamlining clearances, incentivising private participation, and modernising mining technology, yet execution lags behind policy ambition.Industry officials emphasise that coal mining expansion is not merely about increasing raw output but enabling industrial resilience. Steel plants, power utilities, and heavy manufacturers rely on steady domestic coal to avoid disruptions caused by global market shocks. Scaling mining responsibly can also contribute to sustainable energy planning, including facilitating cleaner coal technologies and improving efficiency across power and industrial plants.
For India’s manufacturing future, the path is clear: domestic coal production must be treated as national infrastructure rather than a marginal resource. A coordinated strategy encompassing exploration, mining, logistics, and energy generation can reduce import dependence, stabilise industrial costs, and underpin broader economic growth. Without urgent action, the country risks leaving its industrial ambitions vulnerable to supply disruptions, higher energy costs, and global market volatility.
