Odisha to resume auctions of iron ore blocks; to offer 11 virgin blocks

Undeterred by the continuing face-off with the Union mines ministry over mineral lease area limits, the Odisha government has decided to revive auctions of iron ore blocks.

A high-level committee of the state government has decided to issue the Notice Inviting Tenders (NITs) for auctions of 11 more virgin blocks on August 16. The proposed roster includes eight iron ore blocks and one each for manganese, graphite and limestone. All the enlisted blocks will be offered as composite licenses-prospecting licenses (PL) cum mining lease (ML).

The freehold blocks lined up for auctions are Narinpanga, Pureibahal, Chandiposhi, Jhumka Pathiriposi, Dholtapahad, Unchabali, Gandhalpada, Rengalbeda