Namchik Namphuk: Arunachal's Mining Era Begins

Arunachal Pradesh embarks on its coal mining journey with the inauguration of the Namchik Namphuk coal block in Changlang district today. Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy will lead the ceremony, performing Bhoomi Poojan, handing over the mining lease, flagging off project machinery, and planting 100 trees as part of a green initiative.

Originally allocated in 2003, the 1.5 crore tonne reserve faced long delays before being revived through a transparent auction in 2022. This milestone marks the first private sector entry into the state's mining industry.

The project is expected to generate over ₹100 crore in annual revenue and create significant employment. It aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s EAST vision—Empower, Act, Strengthen, Transform—aimed at driving development in the Northeast and ensuring accountable resource management. The government also plans to auction additional mineral blocks in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, positioning the region as a vital hub for India’s strategic mineral growth.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.