New Delhi, Aug. 21 -- The coal ministry has offered 14 blocks for commercial mining in the latest round of auctions. The mines offered in the 13th round are mostly located in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Jharkhand.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, minister for coal and mines G. Kishan Reddy said the auction of commercial coal mines has boosted domestic production, reducing the country's dependence on imports.

"There is no shortage of coal in the country... The import of coal has come down about 9% this year," the minister said.

Coal Mine Development and Production Agreements (CMDPA) were also signed for 11 mines allocated in the earlier rounds of auction.

Under the 12th round of coal block auctions, a tot...