India's coal production is on track to surpass one billion tonnes for the first time, Union Minister for Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi said.
Speaking at the second State Mining Ministers' Conference, Joshi assured the country that the import of substitutable coal would be halted from the following year, local media reported.
Joshi acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly regarding coal gasification. However, he said the milestone of crossing the one billion-tonne mark in coal production would be achieved, which aligns with the government's commitment to reduce reliance on imported coal.
Joshi said the mining sector is also pivotal for India's economic growth compared to the petroleum and natural gas industries, adding that the mining revenue of Odisha, a state in eastern India, increased from INR 5,000 crore in 2013-14 to INR 49,000 crore ($5.89 billion) in 2022-23 after policy reforms and improved clearances were implemented.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the significance of utilizing domestically available minerals and avoiding unnecessary imports, and Joshi expressed confidence that India would emerge as a leading player in the 21st century.
(Writing by Riley Liang Editing by Harry Huo)
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