State Mining Ministers to Discuss Sectoral Progress and Challenges at Goa Conference

The meeting will also focus on strengthening coordination between the Centre and state governments to support the development of India's mining industry and its contribution to the vision of Viksit Bharat.

The participation of representatives from different states is expected to facilitate discussions on future growth prospects, policy priorities and challenges facing the sector.

Coal Ministry Pushes for Faster Production

Separately, the Coal Ministry has urged companies allocated new coal blocks to begin production ahead of revised deadlines and reach their peak rated capacity as quickly as possible.

The move comes amid concerns over energy supply disruptions linked to the continuing conflict in West Asia.

Addressing a stakeholder consultation on 'Mining for Future' in Goa, Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt said the past eight months had tested the country's energy sector.

He noted that disruptions to liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies from late February had highlighted the importance of domestic coal stocks at mines and power plants in maintaining a steady electricity supply.

Dutt called on coal block allottees to accelerate production, emphasising that allocated mines that remain non-operational represent capacity the country cannot utilise.

He said India's next phase of growth in coal production would depend not only on allocating new blocks but, more importantly, on bringing already allocated mines into operation.

India produced 1,041 million tonnes of coal in the financial year 2025-26. Coal continues to account for more than 70 per cent of the country's electricity generation.