Arunachal coal mining milestone: 1st commercial block to start Monday; Namchik-Namphuk mine to boost energy security – The Times of India

The government will launch commercial coal mining in Arunachal Pradesh on Monday, ending years of resource underutilisation.“Arunachal Pradesh is set to witness a historic day on October 6, 2025, with the launch of its first commercial coal mine at the Namchik-Namphuk coal block, marking a new chapter of growth, energy security, and local prosperity,” the coal ministry said in a statement, PTI reported.Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy will perform the Bhoomi Poojan, followed by the handover of the mining lease to the operator.The Namchik-Namphuk coal block, which has estimated reserves of 1.5 crore tonnes, was initially allocated in 2003 but faced delays. It was revived through an auction in 2022, opening the sector to private players.The mine is expected to generate over Rs 100 crore in annual revenue for the state.The ministry noted that other critical mineral sources are being unlocked in Arunachal Pradesh, with two blocks in the state and five in Assam currently under auction. Officials have urged early operationalisation to generate employment and boost local economies.