The Government of India, through the Ministry of Mines, initiated an e-auction for 20 Critical & Strategic Mineral blocks on 29th November 2023. Two roadshows were held in New Delhi and Bhubaneshwar, Odisha on 19 December 2023 & 07 February 2024 respectively
A total of 56 physical and 56 online bids were received for 18 out of the 20 blocks initially offered.
On 13th March 2024, the auction for 13 mineral blocks was canceled because there were no bids for 2 blocks and less than 3 qualified bidders for 11 blocks. The second round of auction for 6 blocks took place on 13th March 2024 and has been completed.
Seven out of the 11 canceled blocks have been put up for auction again under tranche III, with bids accepted until 21st May 2024.
The auction for 18 blocks under Tranche II is ongoing, with bids accepted until 15th May 2024.
Potential bidders should check the MSTC e-auction platform (https://www.mstcecommerce.com/auctionhome/mlcln/index.jsp ) for updates and can contact the Designated Officer at (do-mom[at]gov[dot]in).
