India Classifies Coking Coal as Critical Mineral to Boost Output

India classified coking coal as a critical mineral, a decision aimed at accelerating exploration and boosting supply, aiding the steel industry.

The measure should spur mining by removing regulatory barriers including mandatory public consultations, the government said in a statement. It will also permit the use of degraded forest land for “compensatory afforestation,” the practice of planting trees when woodland is diverted for mining.