India has opened up the coal sector completely for commercial mining for all local and global firms after easing restrictions on end-use and prior experience in auctions via an ordinance, but the mining minister said the move will not hurt state-monopoly Coal India. The Union Cabinet approved promulgation of Mineral Laws (Amendment) Ordinance 2020 to amend the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015, as well as the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The amendment to the latter was required to begin auctions of iron ore mining leases before they expire in March this year.