Coal Ministry to Launch 13th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions
The Coal Ministry will soon open the 13th round of commercial coal mine auctions, offering 34 blocks for bidding. Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy will inaugurate the event in New Delhi, with Minister of State Satish Chandra Dubey present. Of the 34 mines, 12 are fully explored and 22 partially explored. The auctions, first started in 2020, aim to boost private investment, reduce imports, and strengthen domestic coal supply.
Jharkhand Assembly to Resume Monsoon Session, Supplementary Budget on Agenda
The Jharkhand Assembly’s monsoon session will resume on 23rd August, with the government set to present the first supplementary budget for FY 2025-26, estimated at Rs. 4,000 crore. The budget aims to boost development schemes. Opposition plans to corner the government on law and order, Surya Hansda encounter, flood damage, Sarna religious code, OBC reservation, unemployment, and price rise. The session will run for four working days.
CS Directed Completion of Sand Ghat Auctions by Mid-September
Jharkhand Chief Secretary Alka Tiwary has instructed deputy commissioners to complete auctions of commercial sand ghats by mid-September under the new sand policy. The policy aims to ensure fair pricing, curb illegal mining, and reduce dependence on other states. Of 434 ghats, 374 under five hectares will be run by gram sabhas, while 60 larger ones will be auctioned. The ban ends 15th October.
Jharkhand’s Renewable Energy Growth Report
A new study revealed Jharkhand has tapped only a fraction of its vast renewable energy potential. While the state holds an estimated 66 GW capacity, the installed base is just 434 MW in FY 2024-25, contributing 7% to power generation. The report flagged poor research and planning as hurdles and suggested district-level targets, with Giridih, Ranchi, Gumla, West Singhbhum, Hazaribag, Palamu, and Chatra marked high-potential districts.
Coal Imports Dropped 8%, Saving India Rs. 60,000 Crore in Foreign Exchange
According to the Coal Ministry, India saved nearly Rs. 60,000 crore in FY 2024-25 as coal imports dropped 8% to 220.3 MT from 242.6 MT last year. Non-regulated sectors saw the steepest fall of 15.3%, while imports for thermal plants declined 38.8% due to higher domestic supply. Coal-based power output rose 2.87%, reflecting India’s push for self-reliance through commercial mining and Mission Coking Coal initiatives.
Hindalco Wons FAME National Award 2025 for CSR Innovation
Hindalco Mines Division, Lohardaga, has received the prestigious FAME National Award 2025 (Diamond Category) in New Delhi for innovative CSR practices. The award recognized its Aviral Dhara project, which ensures sustainable drinking water supply in six villages of Gumla and Lohardaga, benefiting 502 families. Country Head (Mines & Minerals) B.K. Jha said Hindalco remains committed to community development and aims to expand such projects further.
Jharkhand ATS to Bring Back Most-Wanted Criminal Mayank Singh from Azerbaijan
Jharkhand ATS is set to extradite dreaded criminal Mayank Singh from Azerbaijan on 23rd August. Wanted in 48 cases across Hazaribagh, Ranchi, Ramgarh, Palamu, and Giridih, he was arrested in October 2024 on Interpol’s Red Corner Notice. ATS SP Ashlesh Jha is leading the mission. Police are reviewing all cases to secure strong evidence and ensure strict punishment in court.
HEC Supply Workers Call Off Strike After Management Agrees to Demands
The 50-day-long strike of HEC supply workers ended on Wednesday after successful talks with management. It was agreed that workers will enter the plant without filling outsourcing forms and contractors will have no role. Pending salaries from Sept 2023 to Jan 2024 will be cleared soon, ESI deposits ensured, and quarters retained. Workers promised to boost production as part of the settlement.
JLKYM Party Staged Protest at Ritwik Site Office Over Displacement Issues
At NTPC’s Chatti Bariatu coal mining project, Jayram Mahato’s JLKYM party workers protested on Wednesday, alleging irregularities in compensation for land and structures. Former assembly candidates Devendra Mahato (Silli) and Baleshwar Kumar (Barkagaon) led the agitation. They demanded a three-tier dialogue and public disclosure of compensation rates. Party leaders accused the company of paying varying amounts to displaced families and sought transparency.
Villagers Protest Against Proposed Outsourcing Project in Sinedih
In Sinedih, villagers protested outside Maheshpur colliery office under BCCL’s Govindpur Area-III, opposing the proposed outsourcing project. Led by Mukhiya Suman Devi and labour leader Gaur Chandra Bauri, they demanded local resettlement, jobs for unemployed youths, transport cost, and proper housing support. Management assured action but offered only Rs. 20,000 compensation, which villagers rejected, warning of a stronger agitation if demands remain unmet.
Truck Owners in Balumath Demanded Fare Hike
At a joint meeting in Balumath, truck owners affected by Magadh and Tetariakhand collieries voiced anger over very low freight rates. They said after 300 km coal transport, owners barely earn anything, while transporters deduct money illegally and delay payments. Led by association chief Sanjeev Kumar Sinha, members demanded higher fares and unity, warning of a strong agitation if issues remain unresolved.
