New Delhi: The bidding for Ganua iron ore block in Sundargarh began on Tuesday.
It is one of the blocks reserved for specified end use for sponge iron, steel or pellet plants. In operational for more than 50 years, its lease period will end on March 31. Ganua has an estimated ore reserve of 118.92 MT.
Of the 11 technically qualified bidders, Kamaljeet Singh Ahluwalia, Rungta Mines Ltd, Shyam Steel Industries Ltd, Amalgam Steel & Power Ltd and JSW Steel are in the final race for the iron ore block.
Meanwhile, Serajuddin and Co retained Balda iron ore block during the auction that went past midnight (2.41 am) on Tuesday.
JSW Steel has already bagged two mines — Nuagaon and Narayanposhi — with a total reserve of 980 million tonnes, ArcelorMittal India Pvt Ltd won Thakurani iron ore block notified for auction in Odisha on Monday.