8 more coal blocks lined up for auctions: Coal Secretary

The Centre is ready to put up eight more coal blocks for auction after it concludes the third bidding round in August, said Coal Secretary Anil Swarup.

Addressing a conference on Metals and Minerals organised by the Indian Chambers of Commerce here on Wednesday, Swarup said, “We have identified eight more blocks which would be offered after the third round of auctions. In a year’s time we believe that coal availability will cease to be problem.”

In the third round of auctions, which is expected to be complete by August 17, on offer are 10 blocks for the unregulated sectors of steel, cement and captive power plants.

Swarup added that he expects fewer bids from aluminium companies, which will leave more coal for the steel sector. “Most of the aluminium plants have already bid and won in the previous two rounds,” he said.

Meanwhile, there is still no clarity on when the auction of mines of other minerals will begin. Mines Secretary Anup K Pujari said, “Many States are ready with the mines. But for the auctions, we have to notify not just the boundary marks but also the GPS coordinates. Some States are saying that the GPS coordinates is taking time.”

Pujari said he was disappointed that the existing non-captive mines have not yet started producing despite the government taking steps for their restart.

On the District Mineral Foundations, he said Odisha has agreed to start DMFs in all its districts, Telangana has decided to open it everywhere except Hyderabad and others States like Karnataka are in the process of getting approvals.

The Centre is yet to decide on the quantum of miners’ contribution to the District Mineral Fund.

“We have been busy in doing all the preparatory work. Only one more rule – the Non Exclusive Reconnaissance Permit Rules – will be notified this week. The contribution of the miners to the District Mineral Fund will be decided later,” Pujari added.