Coal Exchange (Indian Economy)
Coal Exchange (Indian Economy)
Why In News:
The Ministry of Coal published the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026 in the Official Gazette, paving the way for the establishment of Coal Exchanges in India.
What is a Coal Exchange?
A Coal Exchange is a many-to-many trading platform (similar to MCX or NCDEX for commodities) that enables transparent, market-driven price discovery for coal, replacing the older one-to-many sales model.
The Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) was designated in December 2025 as the authority to register and regulate Coal Exchanges.
Eligible entities authorised by CCO can establish and operate Coal Exchanges, frame market rules and bye-laws, and facilitate coal trading.
Registrations will be granted for a period of 25 years.
Key Facts for Prelims
Parent legislation: Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2025.
Rules available at the Ministry of Coal website.
Public Sector coal companies (Commercial and Captive Miners) will gain access to a wider pool of buyers.