More than a year after it last auctioned a mineral block, the on Wednesday issued notice inviting tender (NIT) for online auction of as many as 11 mineral blocks in the state.
The mineral blocks up for grabs include seven iron Ore blocksNadidih (BICO), Purheibahal,Chandiposhi, Jumka Pathiriposhi Pahar, Dholtapahar, Netrabandha Pahar (West) and Gandhalpada, two composite blocks of iron ore and manganese–Nadidih (FEEGRADE) and Teherai, one composite block of iron ore and dolomiteKasia and one bauxite blockKarlapat.
While Kasia, Nadidih (BICO), Nadidih (FEEGRADE) and Teherai are the expired blocks, whose lease periods were expired on March 31, 2020, the remaining seven mines are virgin blocks. It is for the first time since beginning of the mining auction process, a bauxite block is going to be auctioned.
While last auction of any mineral block was done in January and February 2020, no blocks were auction since then in view of Covid-19 pandemic and awaiting Centres new auction rules.
Mining sector contributes significantly to states exchequer with the state government has earned over Rs 9,100 crore in the first quarter (April-June) of the current 2021-22 financial year.