On 16 June, 2025, the Ministry of Coal opened bids for the 12th round of commercial coal block auctions, excluding six underground blocks. A total of 41 bids were submitted for 11 out of 22 blocks. Of these, 38 bids were for eight blocks in the 12th round, while three blocks under the second attempt of the 11th round received one bid each.

Phutamura block in the Mand-Raigarh coalfield of Raigarh district, Chhattisgarh, received the highest interest with 13 bids. Other blocks that attracted bids include Chitarpur (Revised), Cholapathar, Mahuagarhi, Mandakini B, Patal East (Western Part), Tambia South, and West of Tubed. The Ministry reported participation from 27 companies, with over 10 being first-time bidders. Firms such as Adas Mining and Infra, Alom Solar, Damodar Valley Corporation, Jindal Steel and Power, NLC India and Penna Shipping submitted between one and four bids each.

The Coal Ministry stated, "The coal sector will continue to fuel the economy to become the third-largest economy in the world." A multi-disciplinary committee will now evaluate the bids, and shortlisted companies will proceed to the electronic auction via the MSTC platform.