In a move aimed at strengthening India's mineral security, the government has notified coking coal as a critical and strategic mineral under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act).

This decision aligns with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 and follows recommendations from the High-Level Committee on implementation of Viksit Bharat Goals and policy inputs from NITI Aayog. The inclusion of coking coal, crucial for the domestic steel sector, is expected to reduce the country’s reliance on imports, which have risen from 51.20 million tonne in 2020-21 to 57.58 million tonne in 2024-25.

Currently, around 95 percent of the steel sector's coking coal needs are met through imports, leading to significant foreign exchange outflows. The move is expected to expedite approvals, improve business ease, and boost the economy.