The State Government is planning to float an independent coalmining company to participate in the e-auction of coal blocks.
The Government hopes to get at least 12 coal blocks in the State. Energy Minister Pranab Prakash Das has reportedly confirmed this move. The public-sector undertaking (PSU) would be a fully-owned subsidiary of the State-run Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC). Steel and Mines Department sources said the company would bid for at least 12 coal blocks with a total reserve of 6,800 million tonnes located in the state. This would prove to be a big boost to power generation in the State.
The proposed company might form joint ventures with various Central Government mining PSUs to develop the allocated coal blocks professionally. The coal blocks which the State Government is eyeing are Manoharpur and Dipside Manoharpur, New Patrapada, Machhakata, Mahanadi, Baitarani East, Baitarani West, Naini, Chhendipada I, Chhendipada II, Rampia and Dipside Rampia.
The coal blocks are needed in view of the State Government moving ahead for power projects to generate 14,220 MW of power in the State PSU sector and 37,220 MW by independent power producers (IPPs), the sources said. From 1992 to 2010, the State was allocated 30 coal blocks for various State-run PSUs and private companies. However, the Supreme Court de-allocated the coal blocks in the State while de-allocating 204 blocks in the country.