Arunachal Pradesh is set to begin its coal mining journey with the inauguration of the Namchik Namphuk coal block in Changlang district today.

Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy will lead the ceremony with Bhoomi Poojan, hand over the mining lease, flag off coal projects's machinery, and plant 100 trees under a green initiative. Initially allocated in 2003, the 1.5 crore tonne reserve faced operational delays until it was revived through a transparent auction in 2022. The move marks a historic step for private sector entry into the state's mining industry.

Expected to generate over Rs 100 crore annually in revenue and employment opportunities, the project supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s EAST vision—Empower, Act, Strengthen, Transform, for Northeast development. It also aims to promote accountability in resource management. The government plans to auction more mineral blocks in Arunachal and Assam, positioning the region as a key contributor to India’s strategic mineral growth.