Auctions for coal, beginning early 2015, have brought about fundamental changes to the way natural resources are allocated. Auctions have now become the derigueur in all mineral lease allocations now, being a part of the MMDRA 2015. They however, are yet to have the desired effect on coal mining only some of the allocated mines have so far started production while many are stuck in process hurdles and some successful bidders have even given up their block.

With auctions expected to remain central to coal block allocations, Brookings India’s second expert roundtable on the subject took a hard look at the economics of allocation in the past auction, with specific focus on reverse auctions. We also discussed alternate allocation protocols and what could have been done differently.

Lead Discussant
Anurag Sehgal,
Research Associate, Brookings India

Like other products of the Brookings Institution India Center, this report is intended to contribute to discussion and stimulate debate on important issues. The views are of the author(s). Brookings India does not have any institutional views.