New Delhi, Oct 21 (ANI): The Union Cabinet on Monday passed an ordinance to auction the non-operating coal blocks, which were cancelled by the Supreme Court last month. The ordinance has been sent to President Pranab Mukherjee for his final approval. The cabinet also announced that Coal India's interests will be fully protected and only Indian companies will be allowed to participate in the bidding for the coal blocks. The government also moved to open up its coal industry to commercial mining while protecting the requirements of state-run Coal India, signalling the most serious shift in 42 years toward allowing private players' full participation in coal mining. The mines would also be allotted to public sector units such as the National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC), which engages in electricity generation and allied activities.