Odisha Proposes To Auction 19 Mines In 2022-23

Bhubaneswar: To further enhance revenue generation from mining and metal sector, the Odisha government has initiated the process for auction of several mines in the state.

Having already issued Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) for auction of 4 mineral blocks earlier this year, the state government now plans to put 15 more mineral blocks on auction during 2022-23, sources said.

Steel and Mines Minister Prafulla Mallick has maintained that the process for auction of mineral blocks in the state is going on and auction of several iron ore and manganese mines is proposed to be done this year as part of the ongoing effort.

The state government has issued NIT for auction of 4 mineral blocks – Koira, Kadodihi Iron ore Block, Orahuri Manganese and Iron ore Block, Kusumdihi Manganese and Iron ore Block and Kedesala NorthEast Iron ore block. All four mines are located in Sundergarh district.

This apart, it has lined up seven iron ore mines, four bauxite, two manganese, a limestone and dolomite and a copper and nickel blocks for auction during the current financial year, sources said.

The state Government plans to auction Laupada, Rengalaberha N-E extension and Nuagaon West, Alaghat West, Gandhalpada West, Kendudihi North, Roida-I and Jhumka-Pathiriposhi West iron blocks. Likewise, Ballada, Nunapaimali, Sijimali and Kutrumali bauxite mineral blocks are also being auctioned.

The other mines proposed to be auctioned this year include Tunmura Limestone and Dolomite mine, Bhanjikusum Manganese Block, Dudhisasol East Copper Block and Kutinga Manganese Block.

As many as 34 mineral blocks, including 18 iron ore blocks and five composite mines of iron and manganese ores, have already been auctioned in the last five years.

It may be noted that the state government has achieved a growth in revenue collection from mining sector in the first four months between April and July of the 2022-23. The total revenue collection from the mining sector till July end is estimated at Rs 13,980 crore as against about Rs 11,900 crore collected during corresponding period of previous year, sources said adding Odisha earns around 26 per cent of its total revenue from the mining and metal sector.