India Commercial Coal Mining Creates 74,000 Jobs In 2025 Boosting Economy
India’s commercial coal mining sector created 74,000 new jobs in 2025, signalling robust growth in domestic production and expanding opportunities for private sector participation. This employment surge has been fuelled by new mining projects, the expansion of existing coal blocks, and government policies designed to reduce dependence on imports and enhance energy security. Analysts say the trend reflects both economic and regional workforce development benefits across India.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Asia Pacific accounts for nearly nine in ten global coal supply jobs, with India and China representing roughly three-quarters of worldwide employment. While coal jobs in advanced economies have fallen by around 20 per cent since 2019, emerging markets such as India have driven an 8 per cent global increase in coal employment, underscoring their rising role in energy production and consumption.The growth in India’s coal workforce is supported by commercial coal auctions launched in 2020. To date, 133 coal blocks have been successfully auctioned, with 117 awarded to private firms. These blocks have a combined production capacity of over 205 million tonnes per annum and are projected to provide employment for more than 277,000 workers. Across all 133 mines, capital investments of ₹41,407 crore are expected to generate annual revenues of ₹38,710 crore while creating nearly 3.75 lakh direct jobs.
India’s coal production target for FY26 is set at 1,157 million tonnes, with Coal India Limited responsible for 875 million tonnes, Singareni Collieries 72 million tonnes, and captive or commercial mines contributing 210 million tonnes. Long-term objectives include reaching 1.5 billion tonnes by FY30, reflecting the government’s strategic focus on energy self-reliance and industrial growth.Experts note that coal mining skills are highly specialised, and workforce transition can be challenging, especially for informal workers and women who face disproportionate socio-economic impacts. The sector’s expansion, therefore, highlights the importance of policies that support inclusive employment and skill development alongside industrial growth.
Globally, emerging and developing economies drove energy employment growth in 2025, led by India (5.8 per cent), Indonesia (4.8 per cent), and the Middle East (3.5 per cent). The IEA report highlights that regions with established energy supply chains continue to maintain concentrated energy employment, while India’s coal expansion exemplifies how commercial mining initiatives can generate large-scale jobs, strengthen local economies, and contribute to a resilient energy future.
