The Odisha Government has lined up 15 mineral blocks for auction during the current financial year, Union Coal and Mines Minister Prahlad Joshi informed Lok Sabha on Wednesday
Replying to a question by Keonjhar MP Chandrani Murmu, he said that as per the provisions under Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation (MMDR) Act, 1957 and the Rules framed there-under, the State Governments are empowered to grant mineral concessions for the minerals located within their respective jurisdiction and collect the revenue generated thereupon.
He said the Odisha Government proposes to auction 15 mineral blocks during 2022-23. It has lined up seven iron ore mines and four bauxite, two manganese, a limestone and dolomite and a copper and nickel blocks for auction.
The iron mines are Laupada, Rengalaberha N-E Extension & Nuagaon West, Alaghat West, Gandhalpada West, Kendudihi North, Roida-I and Jhumka-Pathiriposhi West.
The bauxite blocks are Ballada, Nunapaimali, Sijimali and Kutrumali. The other mines to be auctioned include Tunmura Limestone & Dolomite mine, Bhanjikusum Manganese Block, Dudhisasol East Copper Block and Kutinga Manganese Block.
The State Government has issued Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) for auction of four mineral blocks on March 29, 2022. The mines are Koira, Kadodihi Iron ore Block, Orahuri Manganese & Iron ore Block, Kusumdihi Manganese & Iron ore Block and Kedesala North East Iron ore block. All four mines are located in Sundergarh district. During the last five years, the State had auctioned 34 mineral blocks, which included 18 iron ore mineral blocks and five composite mines of iron and manganese ores.