In a landmark moment for Arunachal Pradesh’s economic development, Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy today inaugurated the state’s first commercial coal mine at Namchik Namphuk in the Changlang district. The inauguration marks a new chapter in the region’s journey towards harnessing its mineral wealth and strengthening local industrial growth.
The Namchik Namphuk coal block, which had remained untapped for decades, has been revived under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision to promote self-reliance in energy resources and regional employment generation. The mine’s reopening is expected to significantly boost the local economy by creating direct and indirect employment opportunities, while also contributing to the state’s revenue.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Minister Reddy said the opening of the coal mine represents a major step in realizing the government’s goal of equitable development across India’s northeastern states. “This project will not only ensure energy security but also empower the people of Arunachal Pradesh by fostering industrial growth and infrastructural development,” he stated.
The Namchik Namphuk project is being implemented with a focus on environmental sustainability and community participation. Advanced technologies for eco-friendly mining and land reclamation are being introduced to minimize ecological impact. Officials noted that measures such as afforestation, proper waste management, and rehabilitation of affected areas are being integrated into the mining plan.
The mine is operated by Arunachal Pradesh Mineral Development and Trading Corporation Ltd. (APMDTCL) under the supervision of the Ministry of Coal, with support from central and state agencies. Once fully operational, the mine is expected to produce several lakh tonnes of coal annually, supplying fuel to local industries and power projects within the region.
Local leaders and community representatives hailed the initiative as a “historic milestone” for Arunachal Pradesh, noting that it will enhance regional connectivity, create job opportunities for youth, and attract future investments in allied sectors such as transportation, logistics, and power generation.
With the commissioning of the Namchik Namphuk mine, Arunachal Pradesh joins the ranks of coal-producing states in India—ushering in a new era of industrial development and economic self-reliance in the northeastern frontier.