First Commercial Coal Mine, Namchik-Namphuk Opens in Arunachal

In a historic move, Arunachal Pradesh opened its first commercial coal mine, Namchik-Namphuk  in Changlang district on Monday.

Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, and Chief Minister Pema Khandu were present in the inauguration of the mine. It will contribute to the industrial growth of Arunachal Pradesh.

The mine, which has an estimated reserve of about 1.5 crore tonnes of coal, is expected to generate over ₹100 crore annual revenue for the state. This effort intends to create employment at the local level and foster infrastructure development while making a prescriptive contribution to India's energy security.

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As a central government project benefitting 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', which is aspirational self-reliance in the energy sector, it resonates with the general motif of India's vision to create economic advantage, albeit just outside of coal.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu emphasized that the effort will empower people in communities, attract investment, and help build the economic base for Arunachal Pradesh. The mining lease was awarded to Coal Projects Private Limited (CPPL), which will develop coal allied based industries to create employment opportunities for youth in the community.

The opening also included a 'Bhumi Pujan' ceremony and tree planting activity to show the project's commitment to environmental sustainability. Arunachal Pradesh takes a major step toward harnessing the state's resource potential, and to achieve India's energy security objectives.