India is launching an ambitious revival plan for 28 deserted coal mines, successfully reopening two of them already. Paired with the auction of 133 additional mines, these efforts are set to dramatically enhance coal output, crucial for meeting increased energy needs. Representative image (Photo credit: ANI) NEW DELHI: The work to revive 28 of 32 abandoned coal mines has started, while the remaining four are in the re-tendering stage, Union coal and mines minister G Kishan Reddy informed the Lok Sabha recently. According to the minister, production started in two of the revived mines during the 2025-26 financial year. The minister also informed Parliament that 133 coal mines have been auctioned over a period of five years, which are expected to generate annual revenue of Rs 38,710 crore with a capital investment of Rs 41,407 crore and provide employment to 373,199 persons.In a written reply to Lok Sabha, Reddy said Coal India Limited, a public sector undertaking, was implementing the revival of certain legacy and non-operational underground mines through a revenue-sharing model with private partners. This model offers to re-open, salvage, rehabilitate, develop, and operate any suitable discontinued mine through a mine developer and operator for excavation and extraction of coal and delivery. The 28 revived mines have a combined capacity of 39.28 million tonnes per annum. The coal mines that are providing tap water to 100s of villages | I Witness While the capacity of renewable energy sources in India has seen a sharp rise in the past few years, it has yet to meet the scale required to support the ever-growing energy consumption. Coal and lignite together contribute nearly three-fourths of the total electricity generation in India. However, it is projected to fall to 55% by 2030 and 27% by 2047. To meet the estimated electricity demand by the year 2031-32, India would need 283 gigawatts of installed capacity against the current 217.5 GW. The govt will need to set up an additional coal-based capacity of a minimum of 80 GW by 2031-32. It has set a raw coal production target for the year 2025-26 at 1,157 million tonnes, which is likely to go up to 1.5 billion tonnes by FY 2029-30.About the AuthorAtul MathurAtul Mathur, Deputy Metro Editor (Senior Assistant Editor), at The Times of India, has over 26 years of experience in journalism. Based in Delhi, he has extensively reported on governance, policy and politics, offering readers deeply researched, data-driven insights into the workings of the capital. Known for his in-depth investigative reporting and compelling human-interest narratives, Atul brings clarity and context to complex urban and civic issues.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’I Regret That…’: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor On No Invite To Rahul, Kharge For Putin DinnerGoa: 23 Killed In Arpora Nightclub Fire; Cylinder Blast Suspected, CM Sawant Vows Strict Action’Maligning Hindu Way Of Life’: PM Modi Calls Out Colonial Mindset Over ‘Hindu Rate Of Growth’ LabelUP CM Yogi Slams Parties ‘Insulting Babasaheb’s Legacy’, Announces Security For Ambedkar Statues’Engaging Atmosphere Reigned’: Shashi Tharoor After State Dinner With Russian President Putin’Sab Jagah Pohchenge’: Yogi Adityanath On What’s Next After Ram Temple, ‘Kashi-Mathura’ Slogan’Black Day’: Owaisi Targets Modi Govt, Questions Acquittals In Babri Masjid Demolition CasePutin Dinner Snub Triggers War of Word: Priyanka Chaturvedi Slams ‘Petty’ Politics, BJP Blasts RahulHow Russia May Open Central Asia For India As West Pushes Harder: Kugelman Explains The Power ShiftAviation Meltdown Escalates As IndiGo Cancels 400 Flights And Government Enforces Fare Controls123PhotostoriesDipika Kakar recalls breaking down after liver cancer diagnosis and not being able to feed Ruhaan; says ‘Wanted to come back fine for my son’Short, modern and meaningful unisex baby namesKerala actress assault case: 8-year timeline of the trial; Dileep awaits verdict in historic courtroom battleHow to know if your heart is healthy: Simple checks you can do at home5 sleep secrets that transform student performance: What science really saysPowerful mythological names for babies born on SundayYour soul purpose as per your birth month; goosebumps guaranteed!Explore the other wild South: Tamil Nadu’s 6 little-known wildlife sanctuaries to visit4 vitamins that boost brain power, foods rich in them, and a super easy multivitamin drink recipeNutrition fact of the day: Green tea boosts metabolism and helps burn fat more efficiently123Hot PicksIndigo Flight DelayPutin India VisitWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingGautam GambhirThe God Slayer Release DateRohit SharmaCandace OwensAryna Sabalenka Net WorthTim PoolAaron RodgersVirat KohliNarela Girl Sexually AssaultedBengaluru News
Representative image (Photo credit: ANI)
NEW DELHI: The work to revive 28 of 32 abandoned coal mines has started, while the remaining four are in the re-tendering stage, Union coal and mines minister G Kishan Reddy informed the Lok Sabha recently. According to the minister, production started in two of the revived mines during the 2025-26 financial year. The minister also informed Parliament that 133 coal mines have been auctioned over a period of five years, which are expected to generate annual revenue of Rs 38,710 crore with a capital investment of Rs 41,407 crore and provide employment to 373,199 persons.In a written reply to Lok Sabha, Reddy said Coal India Limited, a public sector undertaking, was implementing the revival of certain legacy and non-operational underground mines through a revenue-sharing model with private partners. This model offers to re-open, salvage, rehabilitate, develop, and operate any suitable discontinued mine through a mine developer and operator for excavation and extraction of coal and delivery. The 28 revived mines have a combined capacity of 39.28 million tonnes per annum.
While the capacity of renewable energy sources in India has seen a sharp rise in the past few years, it has yet to meet the scale required to support the ever-growing energy consumption. Coal and lignite together contribute nearly three-fourths of the total electricity generation in India. However, it is projected to fall to 55% by 2030 and 27% by 2047. To meet the estimated electricity demand by the year 2031-32, India would need 283 gigawatts of installed capacity against the current 217.5 GW. The govt will need to set up an additional coal-based capacity of a minimum of 80 GW by 2031-32. It has set a raw coal production target for the year 2025-26 at 1,157 million tonnes, which is likely to go up to 1.5 billion tonnes by FY 2029-30.
