Coal news and updates

MoP can recommend co for mine allotment

November 20: The government, while assuring that the e-auction of the cancelled coal blocks aim to keep a lid on electricity tariffs, has also attempted to ensure coal security to the power sector, giving the Ministry of Power (MoP) enough room to wield some authority in the process.

These norms are contained in the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Rules, 2014 which were unveiled on Wednesday, November 19.

In this regard, the draft rules have said the central government may also allot a Schedule I coal mine to any company recommended for such allotment by the Ministry of Power, which has been awarded a power project based on competitive bid for tariff, on such terms and conditions as the central government may deem expedient.

The draft rules further inform that the central government shall notify a list of such Schedule I coal mines which would be available for allotment under Rule 12(1) and may also specify the terms and conditions for such allotment.