Rajasthan identifies over 30 mining blocks for auction

Rajasthan has identified over 30 blocks of iron ore, limestone, manganese and potash among other minerals for auction.
Besides, the state has asked the Centre for assistance regarding environmental clearances for mining proposals, an official statement said today.
Steel and Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar met Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje in Jaipur yesterday and discussed issues related to development of steel and mines sector in the state, it said.
"Singh appreciated the efforts of state government in identifying more than 30 blocks for auction of ML (mining lease) and PL-cum-ML (prospecting license-cum-mining lease), including those for limestone, manganese, potash and iron ore," the statement said.

The minister also urged Raje to expedite the process of notification for auction of mines and emphasised on the importance of constituting District Mineral Foundation (DMF) for the selected districts at the earliest, it added.
"Progress on ML for iron ore in Bhilwara to SAIL and allotment of Banera iron ore mine and Jahajpur iron ore blocks to RINL was also discussed during the meeting," it said.

Tomar handed detailed exploration report of 28 blocks to the Chief Minister, the statement said adding that the reports are of base metals, gold and phosphorite of G2-G1 level.
These inputs were prepared by the Mines Ministry at a cost of about Rs 60 crore. Recently, the ministry has decided to supply the promotional exploration reports prepared by MECL to state governments without any cost.

"With these additional inputs, Rajasthan has 38 blocks ready for auction of ML and 24 blocks for auction of PL-cum-ML. Tomar also offered help from MSTC in conducting the auctions," it said.
Raje apprised Tomar about Rajasthan's preparedness for conducting auctions and related activities like exploration and setting up of DMF, the statement said.
"She sought support from the Central Government in according environment clearances to mining proposals to safeguard jobs and livelihood of mine-workers," it added.