In light of India's increasing energy needs, the Government of India is taking deliberate steps to facilitate a more efficient and technologically enhanced approach to mining coal and lignite resources. The Ministry of Coal recently implemented a major change in the process for evaluating resource development approvals and is advocating for a greater involvement of the private sector in the overall exploration ecosystem. To optimise and ease the processes related to Resource Development Approvals and Geological Reports (GRs) produced by the Notified Accredited Prospecting Agencies (APAs) recognised by the Quality Control Institute-National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (QCI-NABET), this reform introduces an extra approach for peer-review, involving another APA accredited by QCI-NABET. This reform eliminates the requirement for formal approval from the Committee founded in January 2022 for an exploration programme or GR that has undergone peer review by an accredited APA, representing a new strategy for enhancing business opportunities in the exploration sector. This reform showcases the Government's trust in private sector exploration (PSA) agencies, leveraging their expertise, technological advancements, effective strategies, and creative approaches to further improve resource evaluation across the industry. The revised approval procedure is expected to decrease the approval duration by at least three months, enabling prompt implementation of coal blocks and allowing allottees to successfully meet development milestones within the designated time. The Ministry of Coal is dedicated to enhancing India's readiness for long-term Energy Security by promoting greater involvement from the private sector and utilising a technique-focused method for resource evaluations.