Jharkhand stepped towards green growth with the release of Powering Progress, a first kind of high resolution study mapping on renewable energy and storage potential across the State. Jointly prepared by the Government and the Centre for Environment and Energy Development (CEED), the report identified a total potential of 66 GW, including 46 GW from various renewable sources and 20 GW from pumped hydro storage. Solar Energy Accounted for 41 GW According to the study, solar power accounted for the bulk of the potential at 41 GW, spanning utility scale projects, rooftop installations, floating solar and concentrated solar. Districts such…
Author: Editorial Desk
Jharkhand Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari has directed all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to complete the auction of commercial Sand Ghats. Addressing DCs and mining officials via video conference, she asked them to thoroughly study the new Sand Policy to ensure transparent and glitch-free auctions. New Policy Aims to Curb Illegal Trade The Chief Secretary highlighted that the purpose of the revised policy is to make sand available to consumers at reasonable prices while cracking down on illegal trade and discouraging inflow from neighboring states. DCs were advised to undergo training on auction procedures, conduct mock drills, and even set up helplines…
The Coal Ministry is set to launch the 13th round of commercial coal mine auctions, offering 34 coal blocks for bidding. The auction round will be inaugurated in New Delhi in the presence of Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy as the chief guest and Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey as the special guest. 12 Mines are Fully Explored, 22 are Partially Explored The ministry said the latest round covers 34 coal mines, five under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act and 29 under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act. Of…
Iron ore mining in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district are nearly 26% of India’s reserves, has been stalled since March 2020 as statutory approvals remained pending. Lease expiries, lack of coordination between departments, and prolonged clearance procedures have left major mines closed, impacting revenue flows and local employment. Nine Major Iron Ore Mines Awaiting Clearances The state had reserved the mines for Jharkhand State Mineral Development Corporation (JSMDC), but the Centre opposed the move, insisting on auctions. As a result, nine key iron ore mines, including SAIL’s Jhillingburu, Topailore, Budhaburu, and Tata Steel’s Vijaya II Ghatkuri are closed. Officials said delays…
The Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) has come under scanner after alleged irregularities in project expansions worth over Rs. 1500 crore. Show-cause notices being issued to more than three dozen officials of the company. The matter, linked to benefits extended to a prominent contractor, has reached the Coal Ministry and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), which have initiated investigations. Notice Issued to CMD and Senior Officers Show-cause issued to BCCL Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD), Functional Directors, General Managers, Tender and Technical Committee Members, and Nodal Officers. The officials have been asked to submit replies between 20th August to 31st August 2025,…
Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) has filed a review petition before the Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (JSERC), challenged the 6.34% tariff hike approved for FY2025-26. The JBVNL argued that the regulator’s 30th April 2025 order underestimated its revenue requirement and sought a revised tariff structure. The commission will hear JBVNL’s petition on 10th October. Regulatory Approved only 6.34% Hike Against 402% Demand In its order, JSERC approved a 20-paise per unit hike for urban consumers and 40-paise for rural consumers, taking the average tariff to Rs. 6.85 per unit from 1st May 2025. The JBVNL had sought an…
The proposed 50 MW solar power project at Tenughat Thermal Power Station in Lalpania, Bokaro has failed to draw interest from companies despite three extensions of the tender deadline. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs. 275 crore including a state share of Rs. 82.5 crore, was floated in May 2025, but no bids were received till 19th August 2025. TVNL MD Anil Sharma Defended the Eligibility Condition Industry sources said the condition requiring bidders to have prior experience of setting up at least 10 MW capacity solar plants discouraged participation. While the deadline has now been extended to…
Jharkhand Headlines Parliament Passed Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill 2025 Parliament cleared the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill 2025, modernising India’s mining laws. The Bill allows leaseholders to add critical minerals like Lithium, Nickel, and Cobalt without extra charges, while royalties remain for others. It renames the National Mineral Exploration Trust as the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust, raising royalty contributions to 3% for exploration and mine development in India and abroad. Opposition Named Ex-SC Judge B Sudarshan Reddy as VP Candidate The INDIA alliance has nominated former Supreme Court judge B Sudarshan Reddy as its…
Odisha High Court granted interim relief to Tata Steel against a Rs. 1,902.72 crore demand notice. The demand notice was issued by Odisha State Mining Authorities (Jajpur mining office) over alleged short dispatch from Sukinda Chromite Block. The court barred authorities from coercive action against the company until the next hearing on 2nd September. Mining Authorities Alleged Violation of Mineral Concession Rules, 2016 The dispute began on 3rd July 2025 when the office of the Deputy Director of Mines, Jajpur, issued a notice alleging that Tata Steel dispatched lower quantities of minerals than mandated under its Mine Development and Production…
Parliament (Rajya Sabha) on 19th August 2025 passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025, marking a significant step towards modernizing India’s mining framework. The Bill, which amends the Mines and Minerals Act, 1957, had earlier passed by the Lok Sabha and was approved by the Rajya Sabha through a voice vote. Nineteen members participated in the debate, with several highlighting the urgent need to liberalize the mining sector and reduce dependence on imports of critical minerals. Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy, while replying to the debate, said the amendment empowers leaseholders to add…