ENA Sectors 2025-09-25 17:16:40 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Sep 25 (KNN)</strong> Domestic coal production crossed 1 billion tonnes in 2024-25, with demand expected to reach 1.6 billion tonnes by 2030, the Ministry of Coal and Mines said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, addressing the Energy Leadership Summit organised by ET, said the government is positioning coal as a driver of green growth.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Coal Gasification Mission targets 100 million tonnes by 2030, supported by an Rs 8,500 crore incentive scheme, with seven projects already in progress.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Coal PSUs are also diversifying into renewables, having added 1,900 MW of solar and wind capacity and setting a target of 15 GW by 2030. Neyveli Lignite Corporation accounts for more than 10 GW of this planned capacity.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">On the environmental front, the ministry reported that over 57,000 hectares of mined land have been reclaimed, with another 16,000 hectares to be restored by 2030 under Mission GREEN Coal Regions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The governments mining reforms have seen 542 mineral blocks auctioned, including 34 critical minerals, with private and junior exploration agencies now onboarded.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">New technologies such as drone surveys, AI-driven modelling, and remote sensing are being deployed to accelerate exploration. Thirteen exploration licences have already been awarded under this framework.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">India is also strengthening its international presence in critical minerals through the National Critical Minerals Mission. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">KABIL, a joint venture, has acquired lithium blocks in Argentina, while overseas nodal officers are enhancing mineral diplomacy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Domestically, a Rs 1,500 crore incentive scheme for recycling critical minerals and the establishment of Centres of Excellence are expected to boost advanced research and capacity building.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span><br /> </p> 43628 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/domestic-coal-production-crosses-1-bn-tonnes-demand-to-hit-16-bn-by-2030-coal-ministry 2025-09-25 17:16:40 knnindia.co.in