Government expands Accredited agencies to boost coal exploration, Strengthen Aatmanirbhar Bharat Vision

In a major push to accelerate coal exploration and operationalization, the Government of India has notified 18 additional private agencies as Accredited Prospecting Agencies under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The notification, issued on November 26, 2025, empowers QCI-NABET accredited private entities to undertake prospecting operations for coal and lignite, significantly enhancing the capacity and flexibility of the sector.

These newly authorized agencies will help coal block allottees expedite exploration activities and prepare geological reports essential prerequisites for starting mining operations. The move is expected to reduce project timelines by nearly six months by eliminating the earlier requirement of obtaining a separate prospecting license for agencies.

By widening the pool of accredited exploration agencies, the government aims to foster private sector participation, encourage competition, introduce advanced technologies, and promote faster resource development. This is expected to substantially speed up exploration and increase coal and lignite availability to support India's growing energy demands.

This initiative supports the broader vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), which focuses on strengthening domestic capabilities, reducing dependence on imports, and creating sustainable economic growth. By promoting private sector involvement in critical sectors such as mineral exploration, the government aims to build a robust, transparent, and future-ready energy ecosystem.

The Ministry of Coal stated that the reforms will not only strengthen energy security but also contribute to economic development through faster mining, greater efficiency, and enhanced domestic resource utilization.