The Union Minister of Coal and Mines has launched the online application portal for registration of coal exchanges, marking the operational rollout of the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026. The portal enables eligible entities to apply for registration of coal exchanges under the regulatory oversight of the designated authority, paving the way for the establishment of organised coal trading platforms in the country.
Coal exchanges will function as online marketplaces for trading coal and processed coal products through delivery-based contracts approved by the authority. The framework aims to promote transparent price discovery, quality assurance through approved coal sampling agencies, robust market surveillance, secure clearing and settlement supported by a settlement fund, and an institutional grievance redressal mechanism. The Coal Controller Organisation has issued detailed guidelines for registration and developed the digital portal, allowing applicants to submit documents, pay prescribed fees through the BharatKosh portal, and track the status of their applications online.