The Karnataka government had put eight iron ore blocks on auctions through two phases since end-Aug’21. In the latest update received on the same, the government has now extended the timelines for both the scheduled auctions, SteelMintlearnt.
All the mines being put under the hammer are ‘C’ category which the Supreme Court had previously cancelled in the state on account of illegal mining and had directed the state government to auction theseto end-users.
- In the first phase, the Karnataka government had put five other iron ore-bearing mines to e-auction. Four have deposits of iron ore while one has both iron and manganese ore. The last date for sale of tender document on the MSTC website was earlier 7 Oct’21 which has now been extended to 2 Dec’21. Theannouncement of preferred bidders will take place from 5-11 Jan’22.
- In the 2nd phase, the Karnataka state government had put three iron ore mines (Auro Minerals, GoggaGurushanthaiahandTiffinsBarytes) on auction for which the last date for sale of tender documents on the MSTC website was 28 Oct’21. Thishas now been extended to 2 Dec’21 and the technical bid due date is now 13 Dec’21. Announcement of preferred bidders will take place from 5-7 Jan’22.
Timeline of key events in the mine auction
Source: DMG
Karnataka is third largest iron producing state in India. India’s total production in FY’21 stood at 203.79 mn t, Karnataka contributed 34.27 mn t.
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