The government announced on Wednesday that it has extended the deadline for submitting bids in the seventh round of commercial coal auctions until June 27, 2023. Initially, May 30 was set as the deadline for bids for the 106 coal mines being offered in the latest round of auctions. The seventh round of commercial coal auctions was launched by the government on March 29, aiming to enhance the availability of dry fuel within the country.

In a statement, the Ministry of Coal said: "In view of requests received from a large number of potential bidders, it has extended the last date for bid submission by 28 days and now the last date for bid submission for the seventh round of auctions is 27.06.2023 which was 30.5.2023 earlier."

The ministry also disclosed that a total of 133 mines, with a combined peak rated capacity (PRC) of 540 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), have been allocated or auctioned thus far. To aid private players in the early development of coal mines, the Ministry is offering essential assistance, such as ensuring land availability, securing environment and forest clearances, providing support from financial institutions, and coordinating inter-agency efforts. Additionally, the ministry has set a target of achieving a production of 162 million tonnes (MT) from captive and commercial mines during the current financial year.