Steel manufacturers call for parity in iron ore, coal block auctions

Steel makers have sought the intervention of Prime Minister's Office to establish parity between coal and non-coal block auctions

Steel producers have asked for a level playing field in auctions of coal and iron ore blocks. Although electronic auctions of both coal and non-coal blocks are governed by the same legislation - Mines and Minerals Development & Regulation (MMDR) Act 2015 - steel producers feel there is a glaring disparity between the eligibility norms for bidders. While in case of coal blocks, the capacity of the end use plant and quantum of coal is considered, there are no such riders for auctions of non-coal blocks, including iron ore.

Steel makers have sought the PMO''s intervention to establish parity between