Addressing the 4th Conference of Mining Ministers on Reforms in the Mines and Coal Sector, held in Goa on November 5–6, 2026, Reddy highlighted the role of ongoing reforms in improving transparency, efficiency and investment in the sectors. He said the reforms were strengthening their contribution to economic growth and energy security.
Emphasising the potential of coal gasification, the Minister said it could help unlock the economic value of India's domestic coal resources, support industrial diversification, generate employment and strengthen long-term energy security.
On critical minerals, he stressed the need to strengthen domestic exploration, mining, processing, refining and recycling capabilities to reduce import dependence and improve India's strategic and economic resilience. He also urged State Governments to adopt artificial intelligence, digitalisation and advanced technologies across exploration, mine operations and mineral recovery to improve productivity and operational efficiency.
Reddy called on States to expedite the operationalisation of auctioned mines, accelerate the auction of new blocks and expand exploration activities. He also highlighted the contribution of mining reforms to State revenues, investment and employment, as well as development in mining-affected regions. He called for stronger Centre-State coordination to promote sustainable and inclusive growth.
Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey said the mining sector was central to India's economic progress, industrial development and energy security. He highlighted reforms aimed at improving auction transparency, attracting investment, creating employment and accelerating mining activities.
Dubey also stressed the importance of responsible mining, environmental protection, mine rehabilitation and the welfare of communities in mining-affected areas. He said post-mining rehabilitation and alternative livelihood opportunities for local communities should be incorporated into project planning from the beginning.
He called for higher coal production alongside the adoption of safe and modern mining technologies, coal gasification, innovations in coal utilisation and initiatives such as First Mile Connectivity. He also urged States to share best practices and work together to address challenges in the sector.
Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Vikram Dev Dutt highlighted that domestic coal production had exceeded one billion tonnes for the second consecutive year, supporting India's energy security and efforts to reduce dependence on imported coal.
He emphasised the need for continued structural reforms to make the coal sector more competitive, transparent and investment-friendly. Referring to initiatives such as Commercial Coal Mining, the revised SHAKTI framework and Coal SETU, he called for greater private sector participation, simpler processes and faster operationalisation of coal mines.
Dutt also identified coal gasification as an opportunity to promote value addition, industrial diversification and employment generation. He urged coal-bearing States to facilitate investment, support infrastructure development and accelerate project implementation. He added that the next phase of growth should focus on value creation beyond extraction, supported by technology, digitalisation, sustainable mining and efficient logistics.
During the conference, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Rupinder Brar presented an overview of recent coal sector reforms, their impact on ease of doing business and the challenges and expectations from States. The presentation covered measures to simplify procedures, improve transparency, facilitate investment and strengthen Centre-State coordination.
Organised by the Ministry of Mines on November 5–6, 2026, the two-day conference brought together Mining Ministers from various States and senior officials from the Central and State Governments. Discussions focused on the progress, opportunities and challenges in the mining sector, with States sharing their initiatives and best practices.
The deliberations highlighted the need for coordinated action to accelerate coal gasification, promote commercial coal mining, facilitate investment and expand the use of advanced technologies. The Ministry of Coal reiterated its focus on improving operational efficiency, encouraging private sector participation and promoting value addition to strengthen energy security, industrial growth and employment generation.
