Governance Latest News Policy

Centre Launches Framework for Coal Exchanges to Boost Transparency and Competition

The government said the introduction of coal exchanges represents a significant shift from the traditional "one-to-many" coal sales model towards a competitive "many-to-many" marketplace.

Under the new framework, the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) has been designated as the regulatory authority responsible for registering and overseeing coal exchanges.

ByDigital India Times Bureau

PublishedJune 10, 2026

*Under the new framework, the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) has been designated as the regulatory authority responsible for registering and overseeing coal exchanges.*

New Delhi: In a major reform aimed at modernising India’s coal sector, the ministry of coal has notified the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026, paving the way for the establishment of coal exchanges that will enable transparent, market-driven trading of coal across the country.

The move follows the enactment of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2025, which introduced the concept of Mineral Exchanges and empowered the central government to facilitate transparent trading of minerals, including coal and its processed products.

Under the new framework, the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) has been designated as the regulatory authority responsible for registering and overseeing coal exchanges. Eligible entities will be authorised to establish and operate coal exchanges, frame market rules and facilitate trading activities. Registrations will be valid for 25 years.

The government said the introduction of coal exchanges represents a significant shift from the traditional “one-to-many” coal sales model towards a competitive “many-to-many” marketplace. The platform is expected to promote transparent price discovery, improve market efficiency and provide coal producers with access to a broader buyer base.

Commercial and captive coal miners are expected to benefit from greater market access, while public sector coal companies will also be able to leverage the platform to expand participation and improve trading efficiency.

According to the ministry, the reform is designed to enhance ease of doing business in the coal sector by creating a transparent and technology-enabled marketplace. It is also expected to strengthen energy security by ensuring a more efficient allocation of coal resources across industries.

The government believes the coal exchange ecosystem will support industrial growth, improve competitiveness and contribute to the broader vision of Viksit Bharat by creating a modern and self-reliant energy market.

Officials said the initiative marks another step in the ongoing transformation of India’s energy sector through market-oriented reforms, digitalisation and greater transparency in resource allocation.