Launch of Application for Registration of Coal Exchanges in India: Empowering India’s Coal Exchange Ecosystem

The Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy in presence of Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, Minister of State for Coal and Mines and Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, the Secretary, Ministry of Coal, launched the Online Portal Application for Registration of Coal Exchanges, today, in New Delhi, during the curtain raiser event for Indian Mining Week 2026. The launch marks India's transition from a policy framework to operational readiness for Coal Exchanges, by inviting eligible applicants to formally apply for registration under the regulatory oversight of the Authority - a landmark step towards modernizing the country's coal market.

Coal Exchange, is an online platform where buyers and sellers of coal and its processed forms can transact, trade and enter into delivery-based coal contracts as approved by the Authority. It enables transparent market-based price discovery, assured quality through the Authority-approved coal sampling agencies, advanced market surveillance, secured clearing and settlement process backed by a settlement fund and an effective grievance redressal mechanism, thus creating a robust, neutral and competitive platform that connects coal sellers, buyers and other market participants. The introduction of Coal Exchanges marks a paradigm shift in the coal market by moving from the traditional models to a modern trading platform.

The setting up of Coal Exchanges has been made possible through the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2025, which introduced the concept of Mineral Exchanges. In pursuance of this reform, the Ministry of Coal has notified the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026, providing the regulatory framework for establishing and operating Coal Exchanges.

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 exchanges, formulate market rules and facilitate coal trading with the prior approval of the Authority. Registrations will remain valid for 25 years, ensuring long-term institutional stability. This initiative will strengthen ease of doing business and enhance transparency by promoting market-based price discovery. A modern and efficient coal market will improve supply-chain resilience, attract greater private participation and support industrial growth.

Within a short duration of one month from the publication of the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026, the Coal Controller Organization (CCO) has developed detailed guidelines for various aspects of the application process and registration. An online portal has also been created to enable the application process supported by a comprehensive User Manual to help applicants throughout the process.

The Application Portal, accessible at www.coalcontroller.gov.in/coalexchange, provides a fully digital, end-to-end interface for applicants. Prospective applicants can register, upload supporting documents, remit prescribed fees through the BharatKosh Portal, submit their applications, and track the status of their submission in real time, ensuring transparency at every stage.

As India continues its journey towards energy security and economic self-reliance, Coal Exchanges will play an important role in creating a future-ready coal sector that is efficient, competitive and responsive to market needs. This launch marks the first operational step in building a regulated, competitive and future-ready coal market aligned with India's vision of Viksit Bharat.

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Shuhaib T