NEW DELHI: India is betting big on coal — together with non-fossil sources — to meet rising energy demand on the back of rapid economic growth. The government on Wednesday approved Rs 2,980 crore to fund exploration of coal and lignite with an eye on future auction of blocks for mining.
Separately, coal minister Pralhad Joshi said his ministry has also decided to open up coal exploration for private sector and shortlisted 14 qualified agencies for the purpose. Coal exploration was till now limited to Geological Survey of India.
Joshi said about 1,950square km is expected to be explored with the allotted fund till 2025-26, which a government statement said is the terminal year of the 15th Finance Commission.
