Coking Coal Designated as a ‘Critical Mineral’

• In January 2026, the Ministry of Mines officially designated Coking Coal as a ‘Critical Mineral’ to enhance domestic production and ensure national energy security.
• Critical minerals are those essential for economic development and national security with high supply risks.
• They are identified based on their economic importance and the lack of readily available domestic substitutes.
• Classification facilitates the streamlining of environmental clearances and fast-tracking of auction processes for mineral blocks.
• The Union Government maintains the authority to conduct auctions for minerals designated under the critical list.

Import Dependency and Mining Policy

• India currently imports nearly ninety percent of its high-grade coking coal requirements from ....