CIL to invite fresh bids for exploration of Mozambique blocks

State-run Coal India (CIL) will call for fresh bids for exploration of its two blocks in Mozambique that houses about 1 billion tonnes of reserves of coal.

"CIL will float fresh tenders for exploration of Mozambique blocks as the firm shortlisted during the second tender in June had put some additional conditions. As a result the tender became invalid," a top company official said.

The production from the twin mines is scheduled from 2015 but analysts said it may get delayed as CIL is yet to zero in on a company for exploration.

The world's largest coal producer had invited tenders twice -- first in 2010, which was cancelled due to shortcomings and the second in June, 2011 for exploratory drillings of its blocks.

The two coal blocks -- A1 and A2 -- are spread over an area of 200 sq km and their exploration may take over two years, as per CIL. The company had planned production from blocks from 2015.

Coal India Africana Limitada (CIAL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CIL, had won a five-year licence for exploration and development of the blocks in Mozambique in August, 2009.

CIL, which accounts for over 80% of the domestic production, is scouting for coal properties abroad to bridge the widening demand-supply gap estimated at 142 million tonne in the current fiscal.