Delay in SC panel report on law violations hits mining auction in Odisha

Inordinate delay in submission of a report by the Supreme Court-constituted panel to look into violations of mining laws in Odisha has hit the auction of mines in the state.

As opposed to 14-15 auctions planned in 2018-2019, the state has seen only five. State officials said the views of the panel will have a bearing on the participation and disqualification of bidders in the auction and hence, the wait for the panel report, resulting in delays.

As a result, auction of over 320 million tonne of mineral capacity expected for 2018-19, has been pushed into uncertainty.

Following a hearing