Coking Coal Notified as Critical and Strategic Mineral to Cut Steel Import Dependence

Key facts

• The government notified coking coal as a 'Critical and Strategic Mineral' under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
• The decision follows recommendations of the High-Level Committee on Implementation of Viksit Bharat Goals and policy inputs from NITI Aayog.
• India holds an estimated 37.37 billion tonnes of coking coal resources, mainly in Jharkhand, with additional reserves in Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh.
• Coking coal imports rose from 51.20 million tonnes in 2020–21 to 57.58 million tonnes in 2024–25.
• About 95% of the steel sector’s coking coal requirement is currently met through imports.
• The amendment adds 'Coking Coal' to Part D of the First Schedule of the MMDR Act, listing it among Critical and Strategic Minerals.
• Mining of critical minerals is exempt from public consultation and allows use of degraded forest land for compensatory afforestation to encourage private sector participation.
• Royalty, auction premium and other statutory payments will continue to go to state governments under Section 11D(3) of the MMDR Act.