Centre asks Maharashtra to identify more mines for auction

These mines will be put up for auction after expiry of extended lease period in 2020, the Steel and Mines Ministry said

Steel and Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has asked Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to identify more mines for auction.

Tomar met Fadnavis on the sidelines of the 'Make in India Week' in Mumbai yesterday and discussed issues related to steel and mines sector in the state, the Mines Ministry said today.

"Tomar asked the state government to identify more blocks for mine auctions and also start the process of assessing the remaining mineral resource in mines after 2020, in cases where the lease extension has been given for 5 years," the Ministry added.

These mines will be put up for auction after expiry of extended lease period in 2020, it said.

As on January 14, 2016, Maharashtra has offered four blocks – Limestone, Iron ore, Bauxite and Tungsten – in the ongoing mines auction.

Tomar also sought update on setting up of District Mineral Foundations in Maharashtra and urged the state to take up and execute projects under Prime Minister Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojna for benefit of people and areas affected by mining, the Ministry said.