19 mines in Odisha are anticipated to be put up for auction in the fiscal year 2022–2023

The state of Odisha’s administration has started the process for auctioning off many mines.

The state government further proposed to sell 15 mineral blocks during the 2022–23 fiscal year, according to a mining official, while notice inviting tender (NIT) for the sale of four mineral blocks was published on March 29 of this year.

“Mineral block sale procedures are ongoing. This year, we’ll put up for auction a number of iron ore and manganese mines, according to Steel and Mines Minister Prafulla Mallick.

Four mineral blocks—Koira, Kadodihi Iron ore Block, Orahuri Manganese & Iron ore Block, Kusumdihi Manganese & Iron ore Block, and Kedesala NorthEast Iron ore Block—have been put up for auction by the state government. Sundergarh district is where the four mines are all situated.

In addition, the government has planned to sell off seven iron ore mines, four bauxite, two manganese, a limestone and dolomite block, and other copper and nickel blocks this year.

Laupada, Rengalaberha N-E extension, Nuagaon West, Alaghat West, Gandhalpada West, Kendudihi North, Roida-I, and Jhumka-Pathiriposhi West iron blocks have all been recommended for sale.

The bauxite mineral blocks Ballada, Nunapaimali, Sijimali, and Kutrumali have also been listed for auction this year.

The Tunmura Limestone & Dolomite Mine, Bhanjikusum Manganese Block, Dudhisasol East Copper Block, and Kutinga Manganese Block are the other planned mines to be auctioned this year.

In the previous five years, the government has successfully auctioned off 34 mineral blocks, including 18 iron ore mineral blocks and five composite mines of iron and manganese ores.

In the meantime, the state government saw an increase in mining revenue collection during the first four months (April through July) of the 2022–23 fiscal year.

Up till the end of July, the mining industry brought in an estimated Rs 13,980 crore in income, compared to about Rs 11,900 crore during the same period the year before.

In contrast to the nearly Rs 48,000 crore it generated in the fiscal year 2021–2022, the state government has set a target of Rs 44,000 crore from the mining and metals sector for the current fiscal year.

Nearly 26% of Odisha’s overall revenue comes from the mining and metals industry.