**Arunachal Pradesh’s First Commercial Coal Mine to Start Operations Tomorrow**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | October 5, 2025, 6:41 PM*
Arunachal Pradesh is set to inaugurate its first commercial coal mine at the Namchik-Namphuk coal block in Changlang district tomorrow. The ceremony will be led by Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy, who will perform the Bhoomi Poojan and officially hand over the mining lease. Additionally, he will flag off machinery for Coal Projects Private Limited (CPPL) to begin operations at the site and plant 100 trees as part of a green initiative.
**Namchik-Namphuk Coal Block: A Historical Overview**
The Namchik-Namphuk coal block, which holds reserves of approximately 1.5 crore tons, was initially allocated in 2003. However, the project faced several delays and stoppages due to operational challenges over the years. In 2022, the block was revived through a transparent auction process, facilitating private sector participation in Arunachal Pradesh’s mining industry.
This marks a significant milestone for Arunachal Pradesh as it embarks on its coal mining journey, positioning itself within India’s coal sector — India being the world’s second-largest coal producer.
**Economic Impact: Revenue and Employment**
The commencement of commercial coal mining in Arunachal Pradesh is expected to generate over ₹100 crore annually in revenue for the state. More importantly, it will create valuable employment opportunities for local youth, contributing to the region’s economic development.
This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of EAST (Empower, Act, Strengthen, Transform), a guiding philosophy aimed at uplifting the Northeast region of India through sustainable growth and development.
**Sustainable Resource Management and Future Plans**
The launch of formal commercial mining will help curb illegal mining, exploitation, and wastage of the state’s natural resources. It is anticipated to bring greater transparency and accountability to the management of Arunachal Pradesh’s rich mineral wealth.
Furthermore, the government has announced plans to auction two critical mineral blocks in Arunachal Pradesh and five in Assam. These moves underscore the growing strategic importance of the Northeast region in India’s technological and mineral landscape.
With these developments, Arunachal Pradesh is poised to play a vital role in India’s broader mining sector while promoting sustainable economic growth.
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