The first application window under the Centre’s ₹37,500-crore Scheme for Promotion of Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects will close on September 7, 2026, according to the Ministry of Coal. The government has clarified that reports suggesting the scheme has received no applications are premature, as the first application round remains open until the deadline.

₹37,500 Crore Scheme

The Union Cabinet approved the scheme on May 13, 2026, with a total financial outlay of ₹37,500 crore. It is aimed at accelerating coal and lignite gasification in India and encouraging the conversion of domestic coal and lignite into higher-value products such as syngas, methanol, ammonia and urea.

The government expects greater use of domestic resources to help reduce dependence on imported feedstock while strengthening energy and economic security.

First Application Round

The Ministry of Coal issued the Request for Proposal on July 7, 2026, following which an online portal was opened for applications. A pre-application conference was subsequently held on July 20 to address questions related to eligibility, scheme provisions and the application process.

The deadline for the first round has been fixed for September 7. The ministry said it would therefore be premature to assess the final number of applications before the application window closes.

TFL and NTPC Already Applied

The ministry has also stated that Talcher Fertilisers Limited (TFL) and NTPC Limited have already submitted applications through the online portal. This contradicts claims that the scheme has received no applications.

Other prospective applicants are reportedly at different stages of preparing their project proposals.

More Rounds to Follow

Companies that are unable to complete their preparations for the first round will have additional opportunities. The scheme has been designed with a rolling application mechanism, under which a subsequent application round will open from the day after the previous round closes and remain open for two months.

This arrangement is intended to give potential developers more time to prepare pre-feasibility reports, assess technology options, arrange coal or lignite feedstock and evaluate project economics.

Investment and Employment Potential

According to the Ministry of Coal, the initiative is expected to catalyse investments of approximately ₹2.5 lakh crore to ₹3 lakh crore across nearly 25 projects. It could also generate around 50,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

The scheme is also linked to the government’s broader objective of achieving 100 million tonnes of coal gasification capacity by 2030.

What Happens After September 7?

September 7 is therefore not the final opportunity for participation in the scheme. It marks the closing date of the first application round. Additional rounds are planned, allowing companies that need more time for technical and financial preparations to participate later.

The Ministry of Coal has said the scheme remains at an early stage and that its participation should be assessed after completion of the application process rather than through interim claims about the number of applicants.

India will host its largest mining and minerals summit, India Mining Week 2026, from November 15 to 17at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi, as the Centre looks to accelerate reforms, attract global investment and strengthen the country's position in the global mining sector.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, who formally unveiled the summit's logo and event brochure during the launch ceremony. The event is being positioned as a global platform that will bring together policymakers, mining companies, investors, technology providers, researchers, startups and academic institutions to discuss the future of sustainable resource development.

Organised under the theme "Stronger Resources, Smarter Mining, Sustainable Future," the three-day summit aims to showcase India's rapidly evolving mining ecosystem while promoting innovation, responsible mining practices and international collaboration.

Addressing the gathering, Kishan Reddy said the summit reflects India's growing confidence and global ambitions in the mining sector. He noted that a series of policy reforms introduced over the past decade—including transparent mineral auctions, commercial coal mining, faster exploration, technology-driven governance and measures to improve ease of doing business—have transformed India into one of the world's most attractive mining investment destinations.

The minister said energy security, critical minerals and resilient supply chains have emerged as strategic priorities globally, and India is adopting an integrated approach by combining policy reforms, technological advancement, value addition and sustainability to build a future-ready mining sector. He invited domestic and international stakeholders to participate in the event and contribute to India's long-term mining roadmap.

During the programme, the minister also launched the online registration portal for the proposed Coal Exchange and announced the eighth tranche of auctions for critical and strategic mineral blocks, signalling the government's continued focus on strengthening domestic mineral availability and reducing import dependence.

Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey said the mining sector continues to play a vital role in India's economic growth, employment generation and regional development. He stressed that greater collaboration between governments, industry, academia and technology providers would be essential for building a globally competitive and environmentally responsible mining ecosystem.

Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt highlighted that India has crossed the milestone of producing and supplying over one billion tonnes of coal for two consecutive years. He said commercial coal mining has opened the sector to greater private participation, encouraged investment and accelerated the adoption of advanced technologies. According to him, India Mining Week 2026 will serve as a key platform for attracting global investors and showcasing the country's mining reforms.

Mines Secretary Piyush Goyal underlined the strategic importance of critical minerals in supporting India's energy transition, manufacturing capabilities and long-term economic development. He said the upcoming auction of critical mineral blocks would strengthen domestic supply chains while encouraging private sector participation and fresh investments.

Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Coal Rupinder Brar said the summit would provide an opportunity to deepen international partnerships, promote innovation and present India's mining sector before a global audience.

According to the ministry, the event is expected to attract over 25,000 industry professionals and decision-makers, 500 exhibitors, 200 speakers, representatives from more than 50 countries, over 300 mining and mineral companies, and 1,000 government and public sector representatives. The summit will feature more than 100 conference sessions, technical presentations, B2B meetings, product launches and technology demonstrations.

The conference agenda will focus on key themes including critical minerals, coal, mineral exploration, automation, artificial intelligence, digital mining, mine safety, sustainability, resource efficiency and the future of mining. A large exhibition will also showcase advancements in mining equipment, processing technologies, automation systems, safety solutions and environmentally sustainable practices.

The government expects the event to strengthen India's position as a global mining and resource development hub while supporting the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 through increased investment, technological collaboration and responsible resource management.