Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Union Minister of Coal and Mines, held an exclusive and high-impact strategic dialogue with Rajat Raj Shukal, Global Head and Principal Partner of AsiaOne Media Group. The discussion offered deep insights into India’s evolving energy architecture, mining reforms, and long-term plan for achieving Aatma Nirbhar Bharat while maintaining environmental accountability.

The discussion reflected the government’s calibrated approach to ensuring India’s energy independence, strengthening mineral supply chains, and aligning industrial expansion with sustainable benchmarks.

Coal as the Pillar of India’s Energy Security

Shri Reddy emphasised that coal is the backbone of India’s power ecosystem that supports manufacturing, infrastructure development, and economic stability. Under his leadership, India’s coal production and dispatch reached a historic high of 1 billion tonnes in 2024-25, indicating operational scale, increased efficiency, and strengthened logistics integration.

With national demand expected to reach 1.6 billion tonnes by 2030, the Ministry has prioritised systematic capacity expansion. Rather than focusing on short-term production outlook, the strategy focuses on structural resilience, advanced mining technology, and streamlined clearances to ensure continuous supply while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Coal Gasification: Transforming Conventional Resources

The Coal Gasification Mission, which aims to produce 100 million tonnes by 2030, is a central component of India’s forward strategy. Seven major projects are currently underway, with an incentive package worth ₹8,500 crore. This program aims to transform coal from a conventional fuel source to a value-added industrial input capable of producing synthetic gas, fertiliser, and petrochemicals.

By promoting gasification, the government aims to minimise reliance on natural gas and chemical feedstock imports while providing cleaner utilisation paths. The programme marks a significant shift from extraction-centric models to technology-driven resource optimisation.

Renewable Diversification of Coal PSUs

Considering global energy shifts, Shri Reddy emphasised the strategic diversification of coal Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) toward renewable energy production. Coal PSUs have installed around 1,900 MW of renewable capacity, with a total objective of 15 GW by 2030.

Neyveli Lignite Corporation alone has 10.11 GW of renewable projects in the works, demonstrating how legacy energy companies are transforming into integrated energy conglomerates. This diversification improves grid stability while also increasing India’s clean energy portfolio.

Environmental Rehabilitation and Responsible Mining

Shri G. Kishan Reddy emphasised upon the fact that sustainability is integral to the Ministry’s operational philosophy. Mission GREEN Coal Regions has reclaimed more than 57,000 hectares of mined land. An additional 16,000 hectares have been designated for restoration by 2030.

Rehabilitation efforts include afforestation, soil stabilisation, biodiversity improvement, and community-focused redevelopment of land. These interventions underscore a commitment to mitigating ecological impact while maintaining socioeconomic stability in mining communities.

Structured Reforms in the Mining Sector

Shri Reddy outlined comprehensive reforms to boost openness and investor confidence. Successful auctions have been conducted for 542 mineral blocks, including 34 critical mineral assets. The merger of private and junior exploration organisations marks a significant shift in exploration governance.

Drone surveys, AI-powered geological modelling, and remote sensing technologies are expediting data acquisition and improving accuracy. 13 exploration licenses have already been issued under the new structure, indicating operational progress and regulatory clarity.

Securing Critical Minerals for Strategic Growth

The conversation additionally addressed India’s growing presence in vital minerals required for electric transportation, renewable storage systems, and advanced manufacturing. India’s National Critical Minerals Mission is developing strategic reserves and acquiring overseas assets.

Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL), a government-owned joint-venture company, has secured lithium blocks in Argentina, reinforcing supply security. Domestically, a ₹1,500 crore incentive scheme promotes recycling of critical minerals, while Centres of Excellence enhance research and technological capabilities.

Aligning Energy Growth and Climate Commitments

Mr. Shukal pointed out that India’s mining and energy reforms strike a reasonable balance between economic expansion and environmental stewardship. The dialogue highlighted the government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, in line with the vision articulated by PM Shri Narendra Modi.

To this, Shri Reddy replied: “India’s approach to energy security and sustainable mining is rooted in self-reliance, technological advancement, and responsible resource management, ensuring that economic development reinforces environmental stewardship.”

A Unified Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047

The discussion closed with a forward-looking view on India’s ambition to become a developed country by 2047. Coal will continue to support India’s energy matrix, but renewable expansion, mineral diplomacy, technological integration, and regulatory reforms will collectively fortify long-term resilience.

Shri G. Kishan Reddy and Mr. Rajat Raj Shukal established a comprehensive framework in this exclusive conversation that positions India as a responsible global player in energy and mining. The discussion underscored that sustainable growth is not a peripheral objective but a structural imperative embedded within national policy architecture.

FAQs

1. What is India’s current coal production milestone under Shri. G. Kishan Reddy’s leadership?

India’s coal production and dispatch surpassed 1 billion tonnes in 2024-25, a significant operational achievement that strengthens domestic energy availability and reduces reliance on imports.

2. What is the objective of the Coal Gasification Mission?

The mission aims to achieve 100 million tonnes of coal gasification by 2030, with an incentive plan worth ₹8,500 crore to promote cleaner utilisation and value-added coal products.

3. How do coal PSUs contribute to the renewable energy expansion?

Coal PSUs have built around 1,900 MW of renewable energy capacity and aim to reach 15 GW by 2030. This would make India’s energy mix more diverse while keeping the system stable.

4. What is the Mission GREEN Coal Regions?

It is a large-scale land reclamation effort that has recovered nearly 57,000 hectares of mined land, with an additional 16,000 hectares scheduled for rehabilitation by 2030.

5. How has the mining auction process evolved?

A total of 542 mineral blocks, including 34 key mineral blocks, were successfully auctioned to increase investor engagement using transparent and technology-driven methods.

6. Which technologies are being used to modernise mineral exploration?

The Ministry has introduced drone surveys, AI-enabled geological modelling, and remote sensing systems to improve exploration accuracy and operational efficiency.

7. What is the National Critical Minerals Mission?

It is a strategic initiative aimed at securing essential mineral supply chains through international acquisitions, local exploration, and strategic reserve development.

8. What function does KABIL have in India’s mineral diplomacy?

Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) has purchased lithium blocks in Argentina, increasing India’s access to critical resources for electric mobility and renewable energy storage systems.

9. What function does AsiaOne Magazine have in high-level policy discussions?

AsiaOne Magazine is a global business and policy forum that facilitates strategic talks between government officials and industry stakeholders while emphasising India’s reform agenda and sectoral transformation initiatives.

10. How does Mr. Rajat Raj Shukal participate in these national-level discussions?

Mr. Shukal serves as AsiaOne Magazine’s Global Head and Principal Partner, moderating structured dialogues with policymakers to facilitate informed discourse on governance, infrastructure, energy, and sustainable development priorities.