Coal block allocations

The state utilities of West Bengal, Karnataka and Punjab have engaged mining contractor EMTA as developer and operator for their blocks though allotment orders for the mines provide for appointing such agencies through a transparent selection process. The state utilities earlier had their mines cancelled by the Supreme Court as they floated joint ventures with EMTA that held a 74 pc stake in the companies.

After the cancellations, in 2015, the central government has allocated 44 coal mines to the government companies or their corporations through the mode of allotment. Out of these, 38 coal mines were allocated under the provisions of Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act 2015, and 6 mines were allocated under the provisions of Auction by Competitive Bidding of Coal Mines Rules 2012.