Goyal is pushing for an increase in national coal production to ensure a cheap and reliable source of energy.

When visiting the HQ of Coal India in Kolkata, Goyal said he wanted to “create a synergy between the coal and environment ministry”

He said his goal was to make sure environmental clearance did not hinder the exploration of mines.

There are more than 200 coal blocks awaiting environmental consideration.

While at the meeting in Kolkata, Goyal said: “We will have to enhance coal supplies while sorting out environmental issues, both of which result from policy paralysis over the years”.

The minister also hinted at a pay rise for Coal India employees.

“We looked at all the possible ways and means to incentivise employees in order to increase coal production”, Goyal told reporters as he left the meeting.

The ultimate goal is to set up a Coal Regulatory Authority to streamline the environmental and industry approval processes.