The Namchik-Namphuk coal block, with reserves of 1.5 crore tonnes, was initially allocated in 2003 but remained inactive for nearly two decades due to administrative and environmental challenges
New Delhi: Arunachal Pradesh is set to make history on October 6, 2025, with the launch of its first commercial coal mine at the Namchik-Namphuk coal block in Changlang district. The event will mark a major milestone in the state’s journey toward industrial growth, energy security, and regional prosperity.
Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy will perform the Bhoomi Poojan, formally hand over the mining lease, and flag off tools and machinery of Central Public Power Ltd (CPPL) to the Namchik-Namphuk central coal block. The ceremony will also include a 100-tree plantation drive, reinforcing the state’s focus on sustainable and responsible mining.
Reviving Long-Delayed Project
The Namchik-Namphuk coal block, with reserves of 1.5 crore tonnes, was initially allocated in 2003 but remained inactive for nearly two decades due to administrative and environmental challenges. It was revived through a transparent auction in 2022, paving the way for private sector participation.
Once operational, the mine is expected to generate over ₹100 crore in annual revenue for the state and create significant employment opportunities for local youth. Officials said the project will also end illegal mining and resource wastage, ensuring that benefits flow directly to the people through transparent governance.
Arunachal Pradesh’s entry into India’s organized coal mining sector comes as the country strengthens its position as the world’s second-largest coal producer, having crossed the 1 billion tonne production milestone last year.
Sustainable Mining and Regional Transformation
Authorities have emphasized that mining activities in the Northeast will be pursued without compromising ecological balance. The government aims to make the region a global model for sustainable mining, aligning economic development with environmental protection.
The Northeast has attracted over ₹6 lakh crore in investments over the past decade, with Arunachal alone seeing allocations rise from ₹6,000 crore before 2014 to ₹1 lakh crore after 2014
India’s coal sector has already reclaimed 57,000 hectares of mined land and targets an additional 16,000 hectares by 2030 under Mission Green Coal Regions. Mining is being developed as an economic, ecological, and community-driven effort, built on the principle of Jan Bhagidaari (people’s participation).
The Northeast has attracted over ₹6 lakh crore in investments over the past decade, with Arunachal alone seeing allocations rise from ₹6,000 crore before 2014 to ₹1 lakh crore after 2014. Connectivity has also surged, with over 16,000 km of national highways, 80,000 km of rural roads, 2,000 bridges, and major infrastructure like the Sela Tunnel and Bhupen Hazarika Bridge transforming accessibility.
Workers in the coal sector are being prioritized with enhanced safety, healthcare, insurance, and welfare measures — including ₹1 crore accident cover, ₹2 crore air accident insurance, and support for contract workers.
The Namchik-Namphuk coal mine launch represents a turning point for Arunachal Pradesh — a blend of development, ecology, and inclusive growth — reinforcing the state’s emerging role as an energy and economic hub in the Northeast.