India opens up coal mining further.

In an attempt to attract investments in coal mining, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the promulgation of Mineral Laws (Amendment) Ordinance 2020. The ordinance allows coal mining for any company present in sectors other than steel and power, and dispenses away with the captive end-use criteria.

While the move will help create an efficient energy market, usher in competition and reduce coal imports, it may also put an end to state-run Coal India Ltd's (CIL's) monopoly. India's coal sector was nationalised in 1973. Despite having the world's fourth largest coal reserve, India imported 235 million tonnes (mt) of coal last year, of which 135 mt...