Arunachal Pradesh Opens Commercial Coal Mining

Arunachal Pradesh today (October 6, 2025) started commercial coal mining for the first time, marking a major milestone in the state’s industrial and energy development.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Coal, operations will commence at the Namchik–Namphuk coal block in Changlang district, which holds estimated reserves of 1.5 crore tonnes.

The project is expected to generate more than Rs 100 crore in annual revenue for the state government.

Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy formally launched the project with Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

The mine will be operated by Mahalaxmi Group, selected through a transparent auction process held in 2022.

The Namchik–Namphuk block, originally allocated in 2003, had faced delays due to regulatory and environmental challenges.

Its revival through commercial auctioning is seen as a key step towards ensuring sustainable, scientific, and legal mining practices in the North East.

The ministry said the project would also create new employment opportunities and promote local infrastructure growth.

Additional auctions for critical mineral blocks are underway, with two in Arunachal Pradesh and five in Assam.

Reddy described the project as a symbol of “trust, transparency, and transformation,” aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an Atma Nirbhar Bharat.

Chief Minister Khandu said the initiative will boost state revenues and youth employment.

Mahalaxmi Group chairman Naveen Singhal said the project will “set a benchmark for combining economic progress with environmental responsibility.”

(With inputs from agencies)