Govt’s move to further open coal sector to help boost production, mining efficiency: CII

09 Jan 2020 Evaluate

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has said that the government’s move to further open coal mining sector and allowing non-coal companies to participate in auctions without end-use restrictions, will help boost both production and mining efficiency besides substituting import of coal worth about Rs 30,000 crore. That apart, it said the move will create more employment opportunities as mining is a highly employment intensive sector.

CII President Vikram Kirloskar has stated that allowing 100 per cent FDI in coal mining will help India not only to harness its coal reserves, which were earlier available only for captive use of steel and power, but also help many leading foreign players establish operations in India with their new age technology in mining. He noted that this will help unleash another source of energy in times of uncertainty in global oil prices due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

During 2018-19, around 125 million tonnes of thermal coal was imported by India, resulting in a forex outgo of around $8 billion (about Rs 57,000 crore). Further, the CII hailed the amendments made to the MMDR Act extending the validity period of clearances for two years for mining leases expiring in 2020. This will not only facilitate smooth transition of the leases to the new lessee but will also reduce the shortage of minerals and avoid the disruption of mining activity in the country. 

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