Nine new mineral blocks at Odisha's auctions may draw lukewarm bids

Stakeholders feel these blocks may lose out to the lapsing merchant blocks where it will be easier to recommence mining and achieve seamless production and despatch

Nine new freehold mineral blocks notified for online auctions in Odisha may fail to evoked firm bidding interest.

The state steel & mines department has issued the Notice Inviting Tenders (NIT) and tender documents in respect of nine iron and manganese ore blocks - Purheibahal, Chandiposhi, Rengalaberha North-East, Gandhalpada, Netrabandh Pahar (West), Dholtapahar, Jumka Pathriposhi, Unchabali and Kalimati on October. Auction activity is set to begin towards the third week of November

Alongside these virgin resources, Odisha is also conducting auctions of 20 more merchant mine blocks whose lease validity ceases by March 31, 2020. Stakeholders feel that the freehold or new