222 mineral blocks on radar for auctions in 2017-18

Karnataka, with 57 blocks, tops the list of states that are readying mineral blocks for auction

As many as 222 mineral blocks are in the pipeline for auction in 2017-18. While all these blocks could be potentially auctioned, the actual number of blocks to go under the hammer would depend on their status of exploration and the readiness of the respective state governments.

In the list are blocks being explored by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Mineral Exploration Corporation of India Ltd (MECL). Between them, nine mineral bearing states - Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Telengana are readying 75 mineral blocks for the auction process. Karnataka tops the