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India Considers Ending Ban on Foreign Investment in Coal Mining

  • Move will end monopoly of state-run companies in the sector
  • Easier sourcing rules on retail may help Apple set up stores
A coal depot in Jharia, India.
A coal depot in Jharia, India.

Photographer: Sanjit Das/Bloomberg

India’s government moved a step closer to scrapping a cap on foreign investment in commercial coal mining, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said, as part of efforts to boost economic growth.

The proposal is being discussed at a Wednesday meeting of the cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and a decision may come within hours, the person said, asking not to be identified because the discussions are private. The change would allow overseas miners such as BHP Group Ltd. and Glencore Plc. to own 100% of mining companies. Other proposals under consideration include raising investment limits in digital media and easing rules for retailers selling a single brand, the person said, without giving details.