**Arunachal Pradesh’s First Commercial Coal Mine to Start Operations Tomorrow**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 05, 2025, 6:41 PM*
Arunachal Pradesh is set to inaugurate its first commercial coal mine at the Namchik-Namphuk coal block in Changlang district tomorrow. The event will be led by Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy, who will perform the Bhoomi Poojan ceremony and officially hand over the mining lease. Additionally, he will flag off machinery for Coal Projects Private Limited (CPPL) to commence operations at the site and plant 100 trees as part of a green initiative.
**A Brief History of the Namchik-Namphuk Coal Block**
The Namchik-Namphuk coal block, with estimated reserves of 1.5 crore tons, was initially allocated in 2003. However, the project faced a series of delays and operational challenges, causing long stoppages. It wasn’t until 2022 that the coal block was revived through a transparent auction process, opening doors for private sector participation in Arunachal Pradesh’s mining sector.
This marks the beginning of Arunachal Pradesh’s journey in commercial coal mining, positioning the state as an emerging player in India’s coal industry. Currently, India stands as the world’s second-largest coal producer.
**Economic Benefits and Employment Opportunities**
The launch of commercial coal mining in Arunachal Pradesh is expected to generate more than ₹100 crore annually in revenue for the state. It will also create numerous employment opportunities for local youth, contributing to the region’s economic growth.
This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of EAST — Empower, Act, Strengthen, Transform — which guides development efforts across the Northeast region.
**Improved Resource Management and Ending Illegal Mining**
The commencement of legal commercial coal mining will help end illegal mining activities, exploitation, and wastage of valuable state resources. It is anticipated to bring transparency and accountability to the management of Arunachal Pradesh’s natural assets.
Furthermore, the government has announced plans to auction two critical mineral blocks in Arunachal Pradesh and five in Assam, underscoring the Northeast’s growing importance in India’s technological and strategic mineral landscape.
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Arunachal Pradesh’s entry into commercial coal mining marks a significant milestone, promising economic development, sustainable resource management, and strategic growth for the region.
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