India, Oct. 6 -- Arunachal Pradesh's Namchik-Namphuk coal mine, the state's first commercial mining operation, was inaugurated on Monday at an event attended by Union coal minister G Kishan Reddy and chief minister Pema Khandu.

The event, held in Longtom under Kharsang subdivision of Changlang district, also marked the formal handover of the mining lease and a ceremonial flag-off of operations - signalling what officials described as a new era of resource-based economic growth in the frontier state.

Reddy said the mine, with an estimated reserve of 1.5 crore tonnes, is projected to generate more than Rs.100 crore in annual revenue for Arunachal Pradesh and was a "historic leap" for the state's coal industry.

He said all statutory and e...