Coal mining may be opened up to all sectors before next auction
NEW DELHI: Coal mining may be opened up to firms other than those in steel and power sectors through a legal amendment. The coal ministry is considering amending the law, possibly through an ordinance, ahead of the first commercial mining auctions expected this month.
At present, companies other than steel, power and coal washing services firms are barred from bidding for coal blocks. The Centre proposes to open it up to all firms with offices registered in India. “This will attract investments from Indian and global corporates, besides mining majors such as Peabody, BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto,” said a senior government official, who did not wish to be identified.
