New Delhi, Feb 13 (Agency) In its latest auction of coal mines, Coal Ministry has auctioned 10 coal mines of five states with total coal reserves of about 1,716.21 million tonnes (MT). Nine coal mines of those auctioned are fully explored while one mine is partially explored. As per the Ministry, cumulative peak rated capacity (PRC) for these coal mines is 22.014 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). Among those who have bagged the coal mines are Hindalco, Jindal Steel And Power Ltd (JSPL), Dalmia Cement Bharat and, Mahanadi Mines and Minerals. Hindalco emerged successful bidder for Meenakshi mine in Odisha while Jindal Steel and Power has bagged Utkal C mine in Odisha. Brinda & Sasai mine was won by Dalmia Cement Bharat. Mahanadi Mines and Minerals won the bid for Bijahan mine in Odisha.
Assam Mineral Development Corporation Ltd bagged Koilajan and Garampani mines in Assam. Yazdani Steel and Power Ltd won the bid for Bankhui mine in Odisha while BS Ispat emerged as the highest bidder for Majra coal mine in Maharashtra. Ministry of Coal had launched the auction of coal mines for commercial mining under 13th tranche of Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act (CMSP Act) and 3rd tranche of Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation (MMDR) Act on October 12, 2021. “During the e-auction, cumulatively 10 coal mines were put up for auction of which six coal mines were CMSP coal mines and remaining four were MMDR coal mines,” the Ministry said. As many as 42 have been auctioned so far under commercial coal mine auctioning.