Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has invited tenders for the online auction of 11 mineral blocks in the state.
The Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) was issued on Wednesday, more than a year after the state last auctioned a mineral block, and the last dates for purchase of tender document and submission of the bid are August 19 and August 24 respectively.
UP FOR GRABS:
>>Seven iron ore blocks—Nadidih (BICO), Purheibahal, Chandiposhi, Jumka Pathiriposhi Pahar, Dholtapahar, Netrabandha Pahar (West) and Gandhalpada.
>>Two composite blocks of iron ore and manganese–Nadidih (FEED GRADE) and Teherai.
>>One composite block of iron ore and dolomite—Kasia
>>One bauxite block—Karlapat.
The lease period of Kasia, Nadidih (BICO), Nadidih (FEED GRADE) and Teherai had expired on March 31, 2020. The remaining mines are virgin blocks. It is for the first time that a bauxite block is going under the hammer.
The auction process is likely to be completed by the end of September. Another four limestone blocks and a graphite block will be auctioned in the second phase, sources said.
