The Ministry of Coal has notified 18 additional private entities as Accredited Prospecting Agencies for coal and lignite exploration, taking the total to 45. The move is expected to cut mine operationalisation timelines by about six months, deepen competition in exploration services and support India’s drive for greater energy security.
In a fresh reform push aimed at accelerating coal mine development, the Government of India has expanded the pool of Accredited Prospecting Agencies (APAs) by adding 18 QCI‑NABET–certified private firms authorised to undertake prospecting operations across coal and lignite blocks. Exploration and preparation of geological reports by such agencies are mandatory prerequisites before a block can move to the mining stage.
Officials estimate that allowing more accredited players into the fray will shave roughly six months off project timelines by removing earlier bottlenecks around prospecting licences and limited agency capacity. The move also signals a broader policy shift towards harnessing private-sector expertise and advanced surveying technologies to improve discovery rates and planning for India’s coal and lignite reserves, seen as critical for meeting near‑term power demand even as renewables scale up.
Key highlights
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18 new QCI‑NABET–accredited private firms notified as APAs for coal and lignite exploration, taking total to 45.
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Change made under provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
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Expanded pool expected to cut mine operationalisation timelines by about six months.
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Measures aim to enhance efficiency, competition and adoption of modern exploration technologies.
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Reform supports faster resource development and improved coal and lignite availability for India’s growing energy needs.
Sources: Ministry of Coal press note and social media updates; ANI; The Tribune; Economic Times; Free Press Journal; Rediff Money; Public TV; Lokmat Times; Indian Masterminds.