Continuing its digital advancement, the Ministry of Coal is now set to launch the Exploration Module on the Single Window Clearance System web portal through Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited, scheduled to be inaugurated by the Union Minister of Coal on 4th July 2025. This module marks a significant milestone in the end-to-end digitalization of the coal exploration value chain. The Exploration Module will allow allottees to submit their exploration proposals online, which will then be processed and approved by the Ministry through the integrated system.

The module covers the entire process of Exploration of coal including approval of Geological Report—from Vetting of Exploration Scheme, Submission of Periodic Progress Updates, Submission & Approval of Geological Reports with all communication of observations, compliance uploads, and final approval—all within a single digital interface. It ensures transparency in the processing of exploration data and approvals while maintaining structured timelines for each stage. With real-time tracking, automated digital document management, and integrated dashboards, this module is poised to drastically reduce the time required for processing of exploration proposals.

Developed in collaboration with CMPDIL, the module adopts best practices in e-governance and technical validation. It will enable dynamic monitoring of coal resource assessment and improve alignment with the Ministry’s coal block allocation and its operationalization. The launch of the Exploration Module will thus be a transformative step in enhancing productivity, data transparency, and speed of approvals in India's coal sector, further contributing to the Nation’s energy Security and sustainable development Goals.

In line with the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for a Viksit Bharat and a digitally empowered ecosystem, the Ministry of Coal continues its digital transformation journey by expanding the capabilities of the Single Window Clearance System (SWCS). Launched on 11th January 2021, SWCS is a pioneering initiative aimed at providing a unified digital platform for obtaining all requisite clearances and approvals essential for operationalizing coal mines and enhancing coal production across the country. Through this single digital gateway, coal mining stakeholders can seamlessly access statutory permissions, including Mining Plan and Mine Closure Plan approvals, Mining Lease grants, Environmental and Forest Clearances, Consents to Establish and Operate, Wildlife Clearance, Land Acquisition, and Central Ground Water Clearances.

These clearances, granted by various Central Ministries and State Government departments/agencies, are mapped and integrated into the SWCS portal, ensuring greater coordination across departments. The portal is designed to simplify the process of obtaining multiple approvals, enhance transparency, reduce bureaucratic delays, and expedite decision-making, thereby significantly improving the ease of doing business in the coal sector.

Currently, the SWCS portal has been developed with several core modules including Mining Plan Approval, Mine Opening Permission, and integrations with national platforms such as National Single Window System (NSWS), supporting end-to-end digital processing and integration with Parivesh 2.0 being implemented to obtain Environmental Clearances (EC), Forest Clearances (FC), Wild life clearances.

The Registration Module is a part of SWCS web portal which allows users to create authorized accounts to access SWCS services. Applicants must furnish personal details, company credentials, and coal block information along with an authorization letter from the CMD/CEO. Post-verification, users can log in to submit applications, track their progress, and download relevant documents.

The Mining Plan Module, which went live in 2021, facilitates online submission and approval of Mining Plans and Mine Closure Plans. The entire communication—from scrutiny objections to compliance submissions—is conducted digitally within prescribed timelines of 15 days each. Since its inception, 126 Mining Plan proposals have been received on the SWCS portal, with 108 processed and the remaining under review. The average processing time has been brought down to 4.5 months compared to 9–12 months in the offline regime.

The Mine Opening Permission (MOP) Module, a critical milestone for initiating coal mining operations, was launched on 7th November 2024 by Secretary, Ministry of Coal. The MOP module replaces the traditional offline process, enabling digital submission, real-time tracking, and prompt approvals—thereby fostering a more transparent and efficient system. As on date, 27 Mine Opening Permission proposals have been received through the portal, out of which 19 have been granted. The remaining 8 proposals are currently under process.

The Project Information Management System (PRIMS) module enables project proponents to submit project-specific data in accordance with the CMDPA and Vesting Order. It allows for seamless tracking of clearances, production reporting, payments, and performance guarantees. A dedicated sub-module - ‘Request with Nominated Authority’- ensures timely redressal of queries and submissions made by the allottees.

Integration with the PARIVESH 2.0 portal has been completed and is under implementation, enabling smooth data exchange between SWCS and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for faster processing of Environmental Clearances, Forest Clearances, and Wildlife Clearances. This upgrade offers an enhanced user experience, automation of key data flows, and improved operational efficiency.

Similarly, SWCS has been integrated with the National Single Window System as part of the Digital India initiative. This integration enables project proponents to initiate their registration on NSWS and access SWCS services directly, simplifying the application and clearance process across ministries and departments.

In light of this significant digital transformation, all stakeholders are encouraged to actively utilise these online modules to their full potential. Coordination and timely action from all concerned agencies and allottees will be crucial to ensure seamless implementation and effective outcomes. Constructive feedback and suggestions from coal block allottees are invited to further refine the system and strengthen the Ministry’s commitment to transparent and technology-driven governance.

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Shuhaib T

Clearance Press Release