New Delhi, April 17 -- The Ministry of Coal announced the launch of the 15th round of commercial coal mine auctions on Friday during a stakeholder consultation aimed at achieving energy security.

Secretary of the Union Ministry of Coal, Vikram Dev Dutt, noted that the government remains focused on meeting the coal requirements of a growing economy. He mentioned that production must continue to increase to support the power sector and broader economic growth.

"I need not labour the point as to why we need to utilize our very abundant coal reserves because in a growing economy with a growing appetite, multiple sectors, power sector and all other sectors which drive the economy. There is no gain in only saying that coal production has to a...