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On June 1, 2026, the Nominated Authority under the Ministry of Coal issued an official   notice regarding the renewal and extension of Performance Bank Guarantees (PBGs). The notice serves as a standing instruction for all companies holding coal block allotments under various agreements, such as Allotment Agreements, Coal Block Development and Production Agreements (CBDPA) and Coal Mine Development and Production Agreements (CMDPA). Allocatees are now required to submit renewed/extended original physical bank guarantees at least seven working days before the existing guarantee expires. The Regulatory Requirements1. The notice refers to Clause 6.1.6 of the respective project agreements. This clause mandates that the Performance Security must remain valid until the earliest of the following milestones occurs: The expiry of the period for which the Mining Lease has been granted or will be granted. The point up to which extractable reserves remain in the coal mine. The achievement of the Peak Rated Capacity of the mine, depending on the specific terms of the agreement. 2. The Nominated Authority highlighted specific procedural issues that led to the issuance of this notice: Last-Minute Renewals: In certain instances, renewals or extensions were being delayed until the final day of expiry, creating ambiguity about whether the submission was completed on time. Digital vs. Physical Submissions: On multiple occasions, companies submitted only scanned copies of the renewed PBGs before the deadline, while the original physical documents arrived after the expiry date. Responsibility: The notice clarifies that the responsibility for keeping the PBG valid rests solely with the allocatee, regardless of whether any reminder or communication is sent by the Nominated Authority’s office. Insights:1. To address past delays, the Nominated Authority has directed all allocatees to ensure their PBG remains valid at all times. When a bank guarantee is due to expire, the allocatee must complete the renewal process and deliver the renewed original physical document to the office of the Nominated Authority at least seven (07) working days prior to the expiry date of the current PBG. 2. Failure to meet the seven working day timeline or failure to submit the original physical document will be treated as a formal non-compliance with the agreement. This will attract penalties under the terms of the contract, which include the 100% appropriation of the Performance Security. 3. This notice is issued to establish uniformity and transparency across all existing contracts. The document states that this timeline must be treated as a standing instruction for all future renewals of Performance Bank Guarantees. Actionable Advice (What businesses should consider) Compliance teams should immediately review the expiry dates of all active PBGs linked to their CBDPAs, CMDPAs, or Allotment Agreements. Internal corporate processing and coordination with bank timelines must be accelerated. Because the physical original document must reach the New Delhi office seven working days before expiry, the bank process should be initiated several weeks in advance. Revised guidelines do not permit renewed BGs on email or portal uploads of scanned copies on the final day, as only the physical original satisfies the requirement.

On July 15, 2026, the Ministry of Coal officially launched the online application portal for the registration of Coal Exchanges in India. Unveiled during the event for Indian Mining Week 2026 in New Delhi, this initiative marks India’s transition from policy formulation to full operational readiness. By inviting eligible entities to formally apply for registration, the government has set in motion a modern, transparent, and market-driven ecosystem for delivery-based coal trading under strict regulatory oversight. The motive for establishing this portal was to establish transparent price discovery, building market trust and security. This also enhances ease of doing business and includes private participation.Legislative and Regulatory FrameworkThe rollout of Coal Exchanges rests on a structured legislative and regulatory foundation: Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2025: Introduced the primary legal concept of Mineral Exchanges in India. Coal Exchange Rules, 2026: Notified by the Ministry of Coal to lay down the detailed regulatory framework for establishing, operating, and governing Coal Exchanges. The Designated Regulator: The Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) has been officially designated as the regulatory authority responsible for registering, overseeing, and monitoring all registered Coal Exchanges. What is a Coal Exchange? Core Features and FunctionalityA Coal Exchange is defined as an online trading platform where buyers and sellers of coal—as well as its processed form—can transact, trade, and enter into delivery-based coal contracts approved by the Authority. This marks a paradigm shift away from traditional allocation models to a modern, neutral, and competitive trading platform. Key Architectural Features of the Platform Include: Transparent Price Discovery: Enables market-driven pricing mechanisms. Quality Assurance: Quality is guaranteed through coal sampling agencies approved directly by the Authority. Market Surveillance: Features advanced market surveillance systems to ensure fair trading practices. Secured Clearing & Settlement: Transactions are backed by a dedicated settlement fund to guarantee clearing and settlement stability. Grievance Redressal: Includes a dedicated and effective grievance redressal mechanism for all market participants. Broad Connectivity: Unifies coal sellers, buyers, and various market participants on a single robust platform. Operational Guidelines, Portal Details, and Registration TermsWithin one month of publishing the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026, the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) developed detailed guidelines and launched the digital portal supported by a comprehensive User Manual. 1. Digital Portal Interface Official Website: www.coalcontroller.gov.in/coalexchange End-to-End Functionality: The portal provides a fully digital interface allowing applicants to register, upload supporting documentation, submit applications, and track their submission status in real-time. Fee Payment Integration: Prescribed registration fees must be remitted directly through the Bharat Kosh Portal. 2. Entity Rights and Registration Validity Authority Approval: Registered entities will be authorized to establish and operate exchanges, formulate market rules, and facilitate coal trading, subject to prior approval from the Authority. 25-Year License Validity: Registrations will remain valid for 25 years, providing long-term institutional stability for market operators and investors. Strategic Impact on India's Energy SectorThe launch of operational Coal Exchanges delivers several immediate structural benefits: Ease of Doing Business: Streamlines coal procurement and sales workflows through digital mechanisms. Supply-Chain Resilience: Provides a responsive, flexible marketplace that absorbs demand-supply shocks. Private Participation & Investment: Transparent pricing and long-term regulatory clarity will attract greater private sector investments. Industrial Growth: Delivers reliable access to fuel resources for core manufacturing and power sectors.  Actionable Guidance for Prospective Applicants Review Guidelines & User Manual: Interested organizations should visit www.coalcontroller.gov.in/coalexchange to review the CCO's detailed operational guidelines and registration manual. Prepare Documentation & Governance Rules: Ensure that proposed exchange operational structures, market rules, and clearing mechanisms meet CCO standards. Utilize Bharat Kosh for Fee Processing: Setup necessary accounts on the Bharat Kosh portal to complete fee remittances seamlessly during application submission.

Executive Summary: On August 3, 2026, the Ministry of Coal published a new set of rules in the Gazette of India called the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Adjudication of Penalties Rules, 2026. The main purpose of these rules is to create a clear process for how the government will handle inquiries and set fines if someone breaks the rules under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015. How the Inquiry Process WorksIf the official "adjudication authority" believes someone broke the rules, they can start an inquiry on their own or after receiving a complaint. To help with the investigation, the authority will appoint an "Inquiry Officer," who must hold at least the rank of an Under Secretary to the Government of India. During the inquiry, the authority has the power to: Ask for any information, records, books, or documents. Order any person who knows about the case to attend meetings. Ask for written explanations. Get technical or inspection reports from experts or government bodies. Notices and HearingsWhen the authority decides there is enough evidence to look into a case, they will issue a formal notice using a specific document called Form-I. What happens when you get a notice? Time to Reply: The notice will give the person a specific time to reply in writing, which is usually between 15 and 30 days. How it is Sent: Notices and orders can be sent via speed post, email or digital platforms, hand delivery, or any other suitable method. The Hearing: The person gets a fair chance to be heard, either in person or through an online video meeting. They can also send an authorized representative to speak for them. Missing a Hearing: If a person receives the notice but does not show up, the authority can move forward and make a decision without them based on the available records. How Penalties are DecidedWhen deciding the final amount of a penalty, the authority will look at several important factors: How serious the rule break was and how long it lasted. Whether the person has broken the rules before. Any unfair profit or advantage the person gained from breaking the rules. The amount of loss caused to public interest or government money. Whether the action was intentional, dishonest, or done with bad intentions. How cooperative the person was during the inquiry. Any steps the person took to fix the mistake. The Final Order and Paying the FineAfter reviewing all the replies and evidence from the hearing, the authority will write a clear order explaining their decision and the reasons behind it. If a penalty is given, it must be paid within 30 days from the date the order is received, unless the authority agrees in writing to give more time. The money must be deposited into a specific government account. If the penalty is not paid on time, the government can take legal steps to recover the money. Actionable Advice for Mine Operators Keep Your Contact Info Updated: Make sure your company's email addresses and digital accounts registered with the government are correct, as official notices sent there will be considered legally valid. Respond on Time: If you receive a Form-I notice, quickly prepare your written reply and gather your supporting documents, as you only have 15 to 30 days to answer. Cooperate with Inquiries: Because your conduct during the inquiry is a factor in deciding the penalty amount, always cooperate fully with the Inquiry Officer. 

OverviewOn 17.07.2026, Coal India Limited (CIL) issued an official notice (Ref. No.: CIL/QC/ED(QM)/2026/28) introducing a digital signing facility for the Third Party Sampling Agreement (TPSA). Coal consumers can now complete and execute their tripartite sampling agreements entirely online through a dedicated web portal, doing away with physical paperwork and manual courier delays. The portal was created and developed by the System Department of Coal India Limited to centralize the creation, review, approval, tracking, and signing of agreements between coal companies, sampling agencies, and buyers. Key Benefits of the Digital TPSA Portal• Quick and Easy Signing: Sign agreements digitally from anywhere without physical stamping or hand delivery. • Faster Turnaround Time: Cuts execution time from weeks to just a few clicks. • 100% Paperless Process: Eliminates physical paper handling and supports eco-friendly business operations. • Live Status Tracking: Track the exact stage of your agreement review and approval in real time directly on your dashboard. How to Access the PortalConsumers can access the portal using either of the following routes:• Direct URL: https://tpsa.coalindia.in/login• CIL Website: Visit www.coalindia.in and navigate to Quick Links → Digital TPSA Portal. Step-by-Step Registration & Login Guide for CustomersFirst-time users must complete a one-time onboarding workflow before logging in: Step 1: Start Registration• Go to the portal login page and click on "New Customer Registration". Step 2: SAP Identity Verification• Enter your Customer Code, PAN Number, and GST Number exactly as registered in the CIL SAP/ERP database. • Click "Verify & Load Profile". • The system checks the details against CIL ERP and sends an OTP to your registered official email address. • Note: If your registered email ID is not updated in the CIL ERP, get it updated with the respective subsidiary coal company first. • Once verified, review your pre-filled organization name and address, then click "Continue to Email Verification". Step 3: Login Email Verification• Enter the official email address you want to use for login and future system notifications. • Click "Send OTP". • Enter the OTP received (up to 3 verification attempts allowed) and click "Verify Email". Step 4: Profile Details & Authorization Letter• Enter the name and designation of the authorized signatory. • Upload the formal Authorization Letter / Board Resolution confirming the person’s legal power to sign the Third Party Sampling Agreement. Step 5: Access Dashboard & Detailed Manual• Once submitted and verified, log in using your registered credentials. • The portal dashboard provides real-time tracking, along with a downloadable, comprehensive post-login user manual. Official Notice & Distribution Details• Issuing Authority: Signed on July 17, 2026, by the Executive Director (Quality Management), Coal India Limited HQ, Kolkata (Coal Bhawan, Premises No. 04-MAR, Plot No. AF-III, Action Area-1A, New Town, Rajarhat, Kolkata – 700156). • Support Contact: For any technical questions or portal issues, consumers can reach out directly via email to gc.cil@coalindia.in. • Commercial Clarification: While the signing mechanism is digital via the portal, the actual commercial finalization and operational coordination of the agreement must still be pursued with the respective coal company and third-party sampling agencies. • Subsidiary Circulation: The General Manager (System), CIL was instructed to host the notice on the main CIL website, and copies were sent to the General Managers (QC) of all seven operating subsidiaries—BCCL, ECL, CCL, NCL, SECL, MCL, and WCL—for prominent display on their respective portals. Action Steps for Coal Consumers• Audit CIL ERP Records: Confirm that your company’s Customer Code, PAN, GSTIN, and authorized email ID match the current master data with your supply subsidiaries. • Prepare Signatory Documentation: Get your corporate authorization letter or board resolution signed and scanned so you can complete Step 4 without delays. • Register Early: Complete the one-time registration ahead of time so your team is ready to digitally sign sampling agreements as soon as new coal allocations or FSA tranches are confirmed.

OverviewOn August 6, 2026, the Ministry of Coal released an official notification in the Gazette of India called the Colliery Control (Amendment) Rules, 2026. These new rules took effect immediately on the date they were published. This update completely replaces Rule 9 of the principal Colliery Control Rules, 2004. The main goal of this change is to alter who gives prior approval before opening a coal mine, a seam, or a section of a seam, making the process faster for corporate mine owners. Who Gives Prior Approval Under the New Rule 9?Under the substituted Rule 9, the authority to approve mine openings depends on the type of business structure owning the mine: Registered Companies: If the mine owner is a company registered under the Companies Act, 2013, the Board of the company has the authority to grant prior approval. Statutory Corporations: If the owner is a statutory corporation established under a Central or State Act, its Governing Authority (Board, committee, etc.) grants the prior approval. Other Entities: If the owner is neither a company registered under the Companies Act, 2013, nor a statutory corporation, it cannot open a mine, seam, or section without getting prior approval directly from the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO). Important Conditions and Timelines to FollowEven when approval is granted internally by a company Board or Governing Authority, the rules set out mandatory requirements: Mandatory Clearances Before Approval: Before granting approval, the Board or Governing Authority must ensure that all required permits and legal compliances prescribed by the Central Government, State Government, and statutory bodies have already been obtained and fulfilled. 15-Day Intimation Window: Within 15 days of opening the coal mine, seam, or section of a seam, the owner must send a formal intimation notice to the Coal Controller Organisation. The CCO is also empowered to create a specific form for this purpose. The 180-Day Rule for Discontinued Mines: The exact same approval rules apply when starting up mining work at any mine, seam, or section where operations have been stopped or discontinued for 180 days or more. Indicative Checklist by CCO: The Coal Controller Organisation will maintain an indicative list of all permissions required from the Central Government, State Governments, and statutory bodies to help owners understand the needed clearances. Administrative and Gazette Details Legal Authority: The Central Government issued these rules under the powers given by Section 18(1) and 18(2) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act). Gazette Publication: Published under Gazette Notification No. G.S.R. 710(E) in the Extraordinary Gazette No. 646 (Part II-Section 3-Sub-section (i)), dated August 6, 2026 (Shravan 15, 1948), and signed by Sanoj Kumar Jha, Additional Secretary. Official Circulation Letter: On August 10, 2026, Alok Verma, Under Secretary to the Government of India (MPS Section, Room 4605, GPOA, Netaji Nagar, New Delhi), formally forwarded the notification (File No. MPS-17023/3/2025-MPS) for compliance. Recipients of the Order: The notice was directly sent to the Director General of DGMS; the CMDs of Coal India Limited (CIL), NLC India Limited (NLCIL), and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL); the Coal Controller (CCO); and the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC). Copies were also sent to the Director (T/NA) to circulate to all other mining companies, and the Director (NIC) to upload it to the Ministry of Coal website. Legislative History: The principal Colliery Control Rules were first published on August 25, 2004 (vide G.S.R. 540(E)) and were last amended on December 23, 2025 (vide G.S.R. 917(E)). Key Takeaways for Mine Operators Prepare Board Workflows: Corporate entities should set up internal procedures so their Board of Directors can review all statutory clearances before approving mine or seam openings. Track Idle Sites: If work has stopped at any pit or seam for 180 days or longer, make sure to get formal approval again before restarting work.Submit Within 15 Days: Always notify the CCO within 15 days of opening to avoid non-compliance.

Summary On October 12, 2026, the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) under the Ministry of Coal issued an official Office Memorandum laying down strict guidelines for standardizing official correspondence, letterheads, file numbering, and e-file creation. The directive applies to all CCO Divisions, Sections, Cells, and Regional Offices. The primary goal is to ensure uniformity, accuracy, traceability, and the timely disposal of official business by fully integrating workflows into the government’s digital e-Office system. For businesses interacting with the CCO, this means all future regulatory submissions, applications, and legal correspondence will be processed through a highly standardized digital framework. Analysis1. Standardization of Document Types The CCO has strictly defined how different types of communication must be used: Office Memorandum (OM) & Office Orders (OO): OMs are for conveying decisions or instructions, while OOs are for internal administrative matters like work allocation. Letters: This is the mandated format for formal correspondence with external entities, including other Ministries, State Governments, and private organizations. Notices & Circulars: Notices are explicitly for proceedings requiring legal or procedural warnings (like Show-Cause notices), while Circulars are for conveying common instructions to multiple recipients. 2. Uniform Letterhead and Layout The physical appearance of all CCO correspondence has been standardized to remove inconsistencies: The State Emblem of India must be placed prominently in the middle of the top of the page. Immediately below the Emblem, the reference line/file number is dynamically generated and inserted by the e-Office system. A bilingual heading ("Government of India", "Ministry of Coal", "Coal Controller Organisation") must be centered, with the specific "Office of the Coal Controller" address, email, and telephone details placed in a right-aligned block. 3. The New File Numbering System To prevent lost files and manual errors, the CCO has implemented a strict electronic numbering formula. Every communication will now bear a tracking number that looks like this: No. CCO/Division Abbreviation (Section Abbreviation)-Para / Year / Serial number / E-Computer number. This format identifies the exact division (such as "Admin", "Tech", or "CE" for the Coal Exchange Division). The "E-Computer number" is a unique 6-digit code generated by the e-Office system that permanently links the physical document to its digital file. Key Insights: Operational Changes1. Elimination of Manual and Parallel Numbering The guidelines strictly ban officials from using parallel manual numbering systems or independently altering the e-Office-generated numbers. Files must be processed entirely through the prescribed electronic channels, and unauthorized or "unofficial" numbering registers are now prohibited. 2. Mandatory Digital Signatures (DSC/e-Sign) Physical signatures are being replaced in the digital workflow. The guidelines mandate that officers authenticate and forward e-files using Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) or e-sign, conforming strictly to e-Office instructions. 3. Strict Rules for File Creation and Naming To stop bureaucratic clutter, officials must search the e-Office system before opening a new file to ensure a duplicate does not exist. Furthermore, vague file names like "Miscellaneous", "General", or "Important" are strictly banned. Every file must follow a specific, meaningful format: [Subject/Activity] - [Specific Matter/Entity/Location]. 4. Verification of Enclosures A major operational shift focuses on missing documents. The new rules require dealing hands to explicitly verify that all stated enclosures and annexures are actually attached or electronically linked before a document is issued. If a document is missing, the reference must be corrected before the file can move forward. Actionable Advice (What businesses should consider) Format Your Submissions Clearly: When sending project reports, compliance data, or regulatory applications to the CCO, ensure your subject lines are highly specific and formatted clearly. Because CCO officials are now required to name their internal e-Files accurately based on the subject and entity, providing a clear, descriptive subject line on your incoming letters will speed up the digital registration process. Explicitly Index Your Attachments: The CCO now operates under strict rules regarding enclosures. When submitting multiple documents, provide a clear, numbered list of annexures. This aligns with the CCO’s internal mandate to verify every single attachment before processing a file. Track the E-Computer Number: Whenever you receive official correspondence from the CCO, locate the unique 6-digit "E-Computer number" at the end of the file reference string. Quote this specific e-Office number in all your replies to ensure your response is instantly linked to the correct digital case file on their end.