<h1>India Amends Mining Act: Coal and Lignite Rights Now Auctioned; 54 Blocks, 18.22 Billion Tonnes to be Allocated.</h1> The Government of India has implemented the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2010, which mandates the auction of coal and lignite mining rights through competitive bidding, with exceptions for government allocations and specific power projects. The Auction by Competitive Bidding of Coal Mines Rules, 2012, outlines procedures for block allocations, including setting floor and reserve prices. A consultant, M/s CRISIL, was appointed to develop methodologies and documents for the allocation process. The government plans to allocate 54 coal blocks, totaling 18.22 billion tonnes in reserves, with allocations divided among government companies, the power sector, and auctioned companies.