Arunachal opens state’s first commercial coal mine at Namchik-Namphuk
Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, along with Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu, inaugurated the State’s first commercial Coal Mine located at Namchik-Namphuk in Changlang district. This event opens a new chapter in Arunachal Pradesh’s economic journey, positioning it firmly on India’s coal and energy map.
Background
- The Namchik-Namphuk coalfield has long been known for its untapped potential.
- Originally assigned in the early 2000s to the Arunachal Pradesh Mineral Development and Trading Corporation Ltd (APMDTCL), progress hit a standstill for years due to various regulatory, environmental, and legal challenges.
- In 2022, the mine was finally auctioned and handed over to Coal Pulz Pvt Ltd (CPPL) under a transparent commercial process.
- With all necessary clearances in place, the mine officially kicked off operations in October 2025.
Boost to Economy and Energy
Calling the project a ‘historic leap’ for the formal coal industry in the state, Reddy said the mine would boost economic activity in alignment with PM Narendra Modi’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat vision. He also shared that the Namchik Namphuk Coal Mine boasts reserves of 1.5 crore tonnes of coal and is officially up and running as of today.
Regional Significance
• The North East has often been overlooked in India’s industrial landscape.
• The successful launch of this coal mine marks a significant step towards integrating the region into the national energy and mineral supply networks.
• This initiative is part of a broader strategy to tap into critical minerals in the Northeast, which are essential for India’s technological and infrastructure development.