Bhubaneswar: As many as 12 new mineral blocks in Odisha are set to be auctioned in 2025-26 financial year, the state Assembly was informed on Thursday.
The information was shared by Steel and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena while replying to a question by Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Ranendra Pratap Swain in the House.
The required approvals have been received for the auctioning of 12 mineral blocks in the state in the current financial year and steps are being taken for inviting tenders in this regard, the Minister said.
The 12 mineral blocks, which happen to be virgin ones, are located in Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Balangir, Koraput and Nuapada districts.
The mineral blocks comprise four iron ore blocks, two limestone blocks, two bauxite blocks, one manganese block, two manganese and iron ore blocks, and one limestone and dolomite block.
This apart, the lease period of one iron ore block in Keonjhar district will expire on July 2, 2026, he said.