Govt readies 102 mine blocks for auctioning

As many as 102 mineral blocks are being readied by different states to be put up for the next round of mining auction as the move aims at speeding up auction of existing blocks and accelerate exploration of potential blocks across the country, Mines & Minerals, Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said elaborating that out of the 43 blocks auctioned so far, eleven blocks have started production. The minister said adding that after the introduction of the newest policy initiatives and changes in mining laws, the states have earned nearly ₹19,000 crore under District Mineral Foundation (DMF) so far. Out of this, welfare schemes worth ₹11,000 crore have been approved, with actual spends of ₹3,715 crore till May 2018.The District Mineral Foundation (DMF) was established in districts affected by mining related operations whereby its objectives is to work for the interest and benefit of persons and areas affected by mining related activities.