Ministry Of Coal To Unveil Exploration Module On Single Window Clearance System Portal

Continuing its commitment to digital transformation, the Ministry of Coal is poised to launch the ‘Exploration Module’ on the Single Window Clearance System (SWCS) web portal, developed in collaboration with Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL). The Union Minister of Coal will formally inaugurate the new module on July 4, 2025.

This initiative marks a major leap in the end-to-end digitalization of India’s coal exploration value chain, enabling coal block allottees to submit and track exploration proposals through a single integrated platform. The module brings all stages of exploration—including vetting of schemes, progress updates, geological report submissions, observations, compliance, and final approvals—under a unified digital interface.

The key features of the module include:

• Real-time tracking of proposals

• Automated document management

• Integrated dashboards

• Structured timelines and alerts

Designed using best practices in e-governance and technical validation, the Exploration Module aims to enhance transparency, reduce processing time, and improve coal resource assessment. It aligns with the Ministry’s broader mission to streamline coal block allocation and operationalization, thus reinforcing India’s energy security and sustainable development goals.

This launch is a significant milestone under the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for a Viksit Bharat and a digitally empowered governance ecosystem.

Overview of the Single Window Clearance System (SWCS)

Launched on 11th January 2021, SWCS is a landmark initiative that consolidates all approvals and clearances required for operationalizing coal mines. It serves as a one-stop digital gateway, offering streamlined access to statutory permissions such as:

• Mining Plan and Mine Closure Plan approvals

• Mining Lease grants

• Environmental and Forest Clearances

• Consents to Establish and Operate

• Wildlife Clearances

• Land Acquisition and Ground Water Clearances

All these clearances, issued by Central and State agencies, are mapped into the portal to reduce inter-departmental delays and enhance coordination.

• Key Modules Already Operational
• Registration Module
• Facilitates account creation with necessary credentials and authorization, enabling access to SWCS services.

Mining Plan Approval Module (Live since 2021)

Enables online submission and processing of Mining and Mine Closure Plans within defined timelines. So far, 126 proposals have been received, with 108 approved, reducing average processing time from 9–12 months to 4.5 months.

Mine Opening Permission (MOP) Module

• Launched on 7th November 2024, this module allows digital submission and tracking of mine opening requests. 27 proposals have been submitted; 19 permissions granted, with 8 under process.

• Project Information Management System (PRIMS)

• Allows project-wise tracking of clearances, production data, performance guarantees, and CMDPA compliance. A dedicated sub-module ensures smooth coordination with the Nominated Authority.

• Integration with National Platforms

• PARIVESH 2.0: Enables seamless data exchange for processing of Environmental, Forest, and Wildlife Clearances.

• National Single Window System (NSWS): Facilitates unified registration and direct access to SWCS services as part of the Digital India vision.

Call to Stakeholders

The Ministry of Coal urges all stakeholders, particularly coal block allottees, to actively use the new and existing modules on the SWCS portal. Their cooperation and feedback will be vital in optimizing digital workflows, ensuring timely clearances, and advancing a transparent, accountable, and technology-driven governance model.