Timeline for auction envisaged under commercial coal mining has been extended by over a month upon request made by various stakeholders.
As per the latest schedule, the online bidding process would commence from Oct ’20 followed by announcement of successful bidder on Nov ’20. Besides, the centre has also extended the deadline for various auction procedures, including request for site visit, sale of tender document, and submission of technical bids.
It is pertinent to note that several investors had raised concerns regarding travelling restrictions caused by COVID-19 which was highlighted as a major constraint. Consequently, the decision was made to push back the dates for auction process.
In addition, the deferment can also be attributed to the delay in finalizing list of coal blocks to be offered for sale in these auctions.
Already, the Bander coal block has been withdrawn from the tentative list on environmental grounds, but the ministry is yet to specify name of three blocks as replacement to the five blocks from Chhattisgarh, which was approved in accordance with the request made by the state government.
Important dates related to auction process are listed below:
*Last date for written requests for site visit: 18 Sep ’20
*Last date for registration at MSTC website: 22 Sep ’20
*Last date for sale of tender document: 25 Sep ’20
*Bid due date: 29 Sep ’20
*Opening of technical bids: 30 Sep ’20
*Examination of technical bids: 1-16 Oct ’20
*Conduct of electronic auction: 19 Oct ’20-9 Nov ’20
*Announcement of successful bidder by nominated authority: 11 Nov ’20
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