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Source — Source: PIB ///Category — GS Paper 1 ///Published — 2026-02-02 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Mineral & Energy Resources, Government Policies & Interventions, Indian Economy ///Source — Source: PIB ///Category — GS Paper 1 ///Published — 2026-02-02 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Mineral & Energy Resources, Government Policies & Interventions, Indian Economy ///

Source: PIB · GS Paper 1

Coking Coal Declared a Critical Mineral

The Government of India has classified coking coal as a Critical and Strategic Mineral under the MMDR Act to curb its heavy import dependence. This move aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision and has direct implications for the steel sector and energy security.

2026-02-02

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Source: PIB

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Key Facts and Data Points

Legislation: Declared under Section 11C of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR).
Classification: Added to Part D of the First Schedule as a Critical and Strategic Mineral.
Import Dependence: ~95% of India's coking coal requirement is met through imports (2024‑25 imports = 57.58 million tonnes).
Domestic Resources: Estimated 37.37 billion tonnes of coking coal reserves, mainly in Jharkhand, with additional reserves in Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh.
Steel Link: 780 kg of coking coal needed per tonne of steel.
Global Producers: China, Australia, Russia, USA, Canada.

Background and Context

Coking Coal (Metallurgical Coal): A specialized grade of bituminous coal that, upon carbonisation, yields coke – essential for reducing iron ore to pig‑iron in blast‑furnace steelmaking.
Strategic Importance: India is the world’s second‑largest crude steel producer; however, its steel industry is heavily reliant on imported coking coal, exposing it to supply‑chain risks and price volatility.
Policy Drive: The declaration supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 initiatives aimed at self‑reliance in critical sectors.

Significance for India / Governance / Policy

Reducing Import Bill: Curtailing dependence on imports can save foreign exchange and improve trade balance.
Boosting Domestic Mining: Encourages exploration and development of indigenous reserves, potentially creating jobs and fostering regional development.
Strategic Security: Ensures uninterrupted supply for the steel sector, which is vital for infrastructure, defence, and manufacturing.
Regulatory Oversight: Classification as a critical mineral subjects coking coal to stricter monitoring, allocation, and possibly preferential pricing mechanisms.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957: Governs mineral exploration, extraction, and allocation. Section 11C empowers the government to declare minerals as critical or strategic.
First Schedule (Part D): Lists minerals deemed critical for national security and economic development.
Policy Frameworks: Aligns with the National Mineral Policy 2019 and Make in India objectives.

References

Coking Coal as Critical Mineral