India has declared coking coal a critical mineral

India has declared coking coal a critical and strategic mineral, according to The Economic Times.

This move is aimed at reducing dependence on imports of this product for steel production.

The government’s decision will give coking coal special status, allowing for faster permits for mineral extraction and better political support.

India is estimated to have 37.37 billion tons of coking coal resources, mainly in Jharkhand, with additional reserves in three other states. Despite this, the country has increased its imports from 51.20 million tons in the 2020/2021 fiscal year to 57.58 million in 2024/2025. Currently, about 95% of India’s steel sector’s coking coal needs are met by imports.

The government also said the reform would help strengthen the resilience of supply chains for the steel sector and support the objectives of the National Steel Policy. It is also expected to stimulate private investment in exploration, enrichment, and advanced mining technologies, while creating jobs in the mining, logistics, and metallurgy industries.

It should be recalled that India aims to increase steel production to 300 million tons per year by 2030 and reach 500 million tons by 2047, strengthening its position as a major buyer of marine coking coal. According to a report by consulting firm Argus, imports of this product to the country are expected to remain strong, with arrivals in 2026 amounting to approximately 81.6 million tons and in 2027 to 86.5 million tons.