Arunachal Pradesh introduces first commercial coal mine at Namchik Namphuk

Arunachal Pradesh celebrated the launch of its first commercial coal mine at the Namchik-Namphuk coal block, marking a significant stride in economic development and energy security.

Arunachal Pradesh witnessed a historic day on 6 October 2025 with the launch of its first commercial coal mine at the Namchik-Namphuk coal block, marking a new chapter in growth, energy security, and local prosperity. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy performs the Bhoomi Poojan, followed by the handing over of the mining lease. He then flags off the tools and machinery of CPPL to the Namchik-Namphuk central coal block and finally participates in a tree plantation drive as part of the 100-tree plantation initiative.

The Namchik Namphuk coal block, with reserves of 1.5 crore tonnes, was first allocated in 2003 but faced long delays and stoppages due to various challenges. It was revived through a transparent auction process in 2022, opening the doors for private sector entry and marking the end of years of delays. This initiative carries forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of EAST – Empower, Act, Strengthen, Transform – a guiding philosophy for every initiative in the Northeast. With this development, Arunachal Pradesh joins India’s coal journey. India is the world’s second-largest coal producer, which crossed a record 1 billion tonnes of production last year. The mine is expected to generate over ₹100 crore annually in revenue for the state, creating jobs and fostering prosperity among the youth.

The launch also signifies an end to illegal mining, exploitation, and wastage of state resources, ensuring that development, transparency, and accountability benefit the people. Critical minerals are also being unlocked for the first time in Arunachal, with two blocks in the state and five in Assam under auction, vital for future technology and national security. Officers have been urged to speed up operationalisation, which will generate employment and prosperity for local youth, supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat path through local resources, local jobs, and local strength.

While enabling growth, the government has reiterated its commitment to no compromise with ecology in the Northeast. The region is known for its green valleys, rivers, and strong communities. It will be developed as a global model for sustainable mining. The coal sector has reclaimed 57,000 hectares of land and targets 16,000 more by 2030 under Mission Green Coal Regions. Mining is seen as an economic, ecological, and community responsibility, driven by Jan Bhagidaari.

Over the past 11 years, the Northeast has seen more than ₹6 lakh crore in investments. In Arunachal, allocations have risen from ₹6,000 crore before 2014 to ₹1 lakh crore after 2014— a 16-fold increase. GST reforms have boosted sectors such as tea, silk, handicrafts, and tourism. A connectivity revolution brought 16,000 km of national highways, 80,000 km of rural roads, 2,000 bridges, 19 airports, the Sela Tunnel, and the Bhupen Hazarika Bridge. Rail investments have multiplied fivefold, with projects worth ₹77,000 crore ongoing. The Northeast Gas Grid is bringing energy closer to industries. The Vibrant Villages Programme has connected 450 border villages. These efforts have transformed the region from a conflict zone to a growth engine, positioning it as the Ashtalakshmi region, central to Viksit Bharat.

Workers, the real strength of the coal sector, are being supported with safety, wages, healthcare, scholarships, and better living conditions. Welfare measures include the Corporate Salary Package with insurance and loans, ₹1 crore accident cover, ₹2 crore air accident cover, first-time insurance for contract workers, ex gratia of ₹25 lakh for fatal accidents, and a Uniform Dress Code Scheme to instil identity, respect, and unity.

The launch of the Namchik Namphuk coal block will embody the integration of development, ecology, and Jan Bhagidaari, supporting India’s energy security, community welfare, and Atmanirbhar Bharat. The coal and mining sector is committed to making the Northeast a shining example of growth, green energy, and people empowerment under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.