 "Merchant mining leases lapsing by March 2020 may get three-year extension")
Odisha, which drew a blank in the last fiscal in auctions of mineral blocks, has revived the process with the issue of a Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) for seven blocks- five freehold deposits and two chromite blocks lapsing by March 31, 2020.
The state directorate of mines has invited financial and technical bids in respect of four limestone blocks- Pipalmunda, Khatkurbahal (North), Behera Banjipali andn Garramura, one graphite block- Jagdalpur and two lapsable chromite deposits- Saruabil and Kamarda. Presently, the chromite blocks are under the leasehold of B C Mohanty and Misrilall Mines, both merchant miners with their leases headed for
