Weekly Mining & Energy Insights – April Week 2

Welcome to your curated digest of the latest developments in mining and energy, from India and around the globe. This week marks a blend of revival, expansion, transition, and transformation in the resource and energy sectors.

🏗️ Meghalaya Restarts Coal Mining After Decades

In a landmark development, Meghalaya has resumed coal mining operations, over a decade after a National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban halted all activity due to environmental and safety concerns. The new mining regime is governed by scientific mining protocols, safety regulations, and environmental monitoring. This restart is a significant milestone not just for the state’s economy but also for the local workforce that had been heavily dependent on coal-related livelihoods.

🔗 Full Story – Construction World

⚡ NTPC to Add 30 GW of Thermal Power by 2032

India’s largest power producer, NTPC, has unveiled plans to expand its coal-based thermal power generation capacity by 30 GW by 2032. This move is aimed at addressing the rising power demand, particularly from industrial and residential sectors. While India continues its push toward renewable energy, NTPC’s strategy highlights the country’s balanced approach of integrating thermal energy security with renewable transitions.

🔗 Full Story – Business Standard

🌞 Türkiye’s Renewable Energy Milestone: Solar & Wind Surpass Coal

Türkiye has reached a major energy transition benchmark with solar and wind energy surpassing domestic coal in power generation in 2024. This milestone indicates significant investment in renewable energy infrastructure and policy support. It also showcases the growing viability of clean energy alternatives in regions traditionally reliant on coal.

🔗 Full Story – Daily Sabah

📉 India’s Coal Imports Dip by 1.4% in FY24 (Apr–Feb)

According to latest data, India’s total coal imports dropped by 1.4% to 240.77 million tonnes during April–February 2023-24. The marginal dip reflects improved domestic coal production, better inventory management, and increased reliance on indigenous supply sources. However, fluctuations are still expected due to seasonal demand and international pricing trends.

🔗 Full Story – Business Standard

🏭 Summer Stocking Pushes Thermal Coal Imports to 10-Month High

Despite the annual dip, India’s thermal coal imports hit a 10-month high in March 2024, largely driven by summer stockpiling ahead of peak power demand. Thermal plants have ramped up inventory to avoid supply gaps during high-consumption months, especially as temperatures soar across the country.

🔗 Full Story – The Hindu Business Line

⛏️ India’s Iron Ore Exports to China Decline Sharply

India’s iron ore trade with China has taken a hit in FY25, with both volume and value realization witnessing significant declines. Exporters are facing challenges due to lower demand from Chinese steel plants, increased global competition, and fluctuating ore prices. This decline may impact mining operations in states like Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh that are major exporters.

🔗 Full Story – The Hindu Business Line

☢️ US Develops Advanced Uranium Fuel for Reactors

In a breakthrough for the nuclear industry, researchers in the United States have developed a new type of uranium fuel designed to enhance efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of nuclear reactors. This innovation could pave the way for a new generation of nuclear energy systems that are safer and more sustainable, reinforcing nuclear power’s role in clean energy transitions.

🔗 Full Story – Interesting Engineering

🧑‍🏭 Industry Buzz: Mining Legend Pravakaran May Exit Odisha

A major figure in India’s mining landscape, V. Pravakaran, is reportedly considering stepping away from Odisha’s mining sector. Known for his extensive experience and influence, his potential exit could impact operations, local economies, and ongoing projects. Industry watchers are keenly awaiting confirmation and the strategic implications this move could bring.

🔗 Full Story – India Whispers

🌍 Wrapping Up

This week’s developments highlight a critical balance between tradition and transformation in the mining and energy sectors. While India and other nations continue to rely on coal and mineral resources to meet energy and industrial needs, investments in renewables and innovations in nuclear fuel signal a definitive shift toward sustainability.

Stay tuned for more updates next week as we continue tracking how policy, technology, and market forces shape the future of mining and energy.

📬 Want this update delivered weekly? Subscribe to our insights newsletter.

#MiningNews #EnergyUpdate #IndiaMining #CoalNews #Renewables #ThermalPower #IronOre #NuclearEnergy #NaturalResources #EnergyTransition

Last post- https://waartsy.com/weekly-mining-news-02-03-2025/