Odisha mining auction: 123 companies in race for 11 mineral blocks

Bhubaneswar: As many as 123 companies are in the race for 11 mineral blocks in Odisha.

The state government has decided to auction 11 mines in the state. Tuesday was the last day to submit the bids for the mineral blocks.

The steel and mines department has targeted to complete the auction process by September-end.

Official sources in the Steel and Mines department said major players in the mining and metal sectors like Jindal Steel and Power, JSW, Tata Steel, ArcelorMittal, Essel Mining and Industries Limited, Rungta Mines Ltd, MSPL, Vedanta and OMDC have evinced interest to participate in the bidding process.

They have participated in the tender process.

According to the mines official, the companies, which would qualify the technical bidding process will be allowed to participate in the financial bidding process set to begin from September 16.

On July 7, the government issued notice for auction of 11 mineral blocks including seven iron ore blocks, two composite blocks of iron ore and manganese, one composite block of iron ore and dolomite and a bauxite block for auction.

The blocks are Nadidih (BICO), Purheibahal, Chandiposhi, Jumka Pathiriposhi Pahar, Dholtapahar, Netrabandha Pahar (West), Gandhalpada, Nadidih (FEEGRADE), Teherai, Kasia and Karlapat.

It is for the first time a bauxite block is going to be auctioned by the state government.

Sources said as many as six players are vying for the bauxite block.

The last auction of any mineral block was done in January and February 2020.

The current mining auction in Odisha is being done in accordance with the new auction rules issued by the Union mines ministry.

Recently, JSPL Managing Director V R Sharma said the company will participate in the forthcoming auction of iron ore mines in Odisha.

“Irrespective of the auction’s outcome, we are confident the state government would make all out efforts to protect the raw material security for industrial units in the state,” he said.