Global coal mine proposals increased 11% to 2,521 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) in 2025, according to the Global Coal Mine Tracker (GCMT) by Global Energy Monitor (GEM).
India nearly doubled its proposed capacity from 329 Mtpa to 638 Mtpa, while China remained the largest with 1,321 Mtpa.
China, India, Australia, Russia and South Africa together account for about 92% of the proposed global coal mining capacity.
About 70% of proposed capacity is still at the pre-construction or approved-but-not-started stage, while only 113 Mtpa of new capacity became operational in 2025.
India’s proposed capacity is dominated by thermal coal, with about 603 Mtpa, accounting for 94% of its domestic pipeline.