In a historic move, Arunachal Pradesh joined India’s coal-producing states as Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy and Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the state’s first commercial coal mine on 6 October 2025. Located at Namchik-Namphuk in Changlang district, the mine marks a new era in the region’s economic development and India’s energy map.
Background
- The Namchik-Namphuk coalfield has long been known for its untapped potential.
- Initially allocated in the early 2000s to the Arunachal Pradesh Mineral Development and Trading Corporation Ltd (APMDTCL), progress had stalled for years due to regulatory, environmental, and legal hurdles.
- In 2022, the mine was finally auctioned and handed over to Coal Pulz Pvt Ltd (CPPL) under a transparent commercial process.
- With clearances secured, the mine officially began operations in October 2025.
Boost to Economy and Energy
- The project is estimated to hold 1.5 crore tonnes of coal reserves.
- This not only promises a revenue stream exceeding ₹100 crore annually for the state but also strengthens India’s energy security, particularly in the strategically important North East region.
- Employment opportunities, local economic stimulation, and future industrial investments are expected to follow, making the mine a catalyst for self-reliant (Aatmanirbhar) development in Arunachal Pradesh.
Regional Significance
- The North East has traditionally remained underrepresented in India’s industrial economy.
- The successful start of this coal mine signifies integration of the region into national energy and mineral supply chains.
- This is part of a larger plan to explore critical minerals in the Northeast, vital for India’s technology and infrastructure needs.
Important Takeaways
- Location: Namchik-Namphuk, Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh
- Reserves: Approx. 1.5 crore tonnes of coal
- Company: Coal Pulz Pvt Ltd (CPPL)
- Expected Revenue: ₹100 crore+ annually
- Significance: Arunachal’s first commercial coal mine; energy security; employment boost