Coal Heats Up: 12th Auction Round Sees Strong Contenders

On June 16, 2025, the Ministry of Coal opened bids for the 12th round of commercial coal block auctions, excluding six underground blocks from the process. A total of 41 bids were received for 11 out of 22 available blocks. Of these, 38 bids were for eight coal blocks under the 12th round, while three blocks—offered under the second attempt of the 11th round—each received one bid.

The Phutamura block, located in the Mand-Raigarh coalfield of Raigarh district, Chhattisgarh, drew the highest interest, attracting 13 bids. Other blocks that saw active participation included Chitarpur (Revised), Cholapathar, Mahuagarhi, Mandakini B, Patal East (Western Part), Tambia South, and West of Tubed.

A total of 27 companies participated in the bidding process, with over 10 being first-time bidders. Companies such as Adas Mining and Infra, Alom Solar, Damodar Valley Corporation, Jindal Steel and Power, NLC India, and Penna Shipping submitted between one and four bids each.

In a statement, the Ministry of Coal noted: "The coal sector will continue to fuel the economy as India advances toward becoming the third-largest economy in the world." A multi-disciplinary committee will now assess the bids, and shortlisted applicants will proceed to the electronic auction phase via the MSTC platform.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.