New Delhi, Nov. 28 -- The government has taken an important step aimed at speeding up the exploration and operationalisation of coal mines amid the ongoing efforts to strengthen the coal sector and bring India closer to the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, according to an official release by the Ministry of Coal.

In exercise of the powers under the second proviso to sub-section (1) of section 4 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, private entities duly accredited by the Quality Council of India - National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (QCI-NABET) have been notified on 26th November 2025, as notified Accredited Prospecting Agencies, the release stated.

This adds another 18 agencies for carrying...