Introduction
According to the latest Global Coal Mine Tracker (GCMT) report released by Global Energy Monitor (GEM) on 16 August 2026, global proposed coal mining capacity expanded by 11% to reach 2,521 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) in 2025. India nearly doubled its domestic coal development pipeline from 329 Mtpa to 638 Mtpa, securing the second-largest proposed coal mining pipeline in the world behind China.
Key Findings of the Global Coal Mine Tracker
The report highlights global and domestic trends in fossil fuel mining infrastructure:
- Global Dominance: Five countries—China (1,321 Mtpa), India (638 Mtpa), Australia, Russia, and South Africa—together account for 92% of the proposed global coal mining pipeline.
- Pre-Construction Bottlenecks: About 70% of proposed global capacity remains at the pre-construction or approved-but-not-started phase, with only 113 Mtpa of new capacity commissioned worldwide in 2025.
- Thermal Coal Dominance in India: Thermal coal dominates India's proposed pipeline at 603 Mtpa (94%), driven by the need to fuel expanding baseload coal thermal generation to meet peak summer power demand.
Key Facts
- Report: Global Coal Mine Tracker (GCMT) 2026 by Global Energy Monitor (GEM)
- Global Proposed Coal Capacity: 2,521 Million Tonnes Per Annum (Mtpa) in 2025 (Up 11%)
- India's Proposed Pipeline: 638 Mtpa (Rank #2 globally, up from 329 Mtpa)
- Global Leader: China (1,321 Mtpa proposed capacity)
- Composition of India's Pipeline: 94% Thermal Coal (603 Mtpa) & 6% Coking Coal
Exam Perspective
For TNPSC and UPSC examinations, this topic relates to Energy Security vs Climate Commitments (COP28 Phase-Down vs Baseload Power), Coal Mining in India, Global Energy Monitor Data, and Thermal Power Reliance in GS Paper III.
Conclusion
While India accelerates renewable energy deployment, expanding the domestic coal pipeline reflects the strategic imperative to maintain energy security and meet surging industrial power demands.