Tenders for nine iron ore and manganese blocks in Odisha likely in July

Timing of auctions critical, premiums unlikely to match merchant mines

After the successful online auctions of 24 merchant mining blocks, the Odisha government is bracing for auctioning nine virgin mineral blocks.

A source close to the development said the state government is likely to issue Notice Inviting Tenders (NITs) in respect of the nine iron ore and manganese blocks in July this year. The blocks identified are Purheibahal, Chandiposhi, Rengalaberha North-East, Gandhalpada, Netrabandh Pahar (West), Dholtapahar, Jumka Pathriposhi, Unchabali and Kalimati.

Strikingly, the state mines department had made an abortive bid to auction both Chandiposhi and