Odisha inviting bids for 7 non-ferrous mineral blocks

The Directorate of Mines has issued notice inviting tender (NIT) for five virgin blocks (four limestone and one graphite) and two chromite blocks for electronic auction. The seven blocks include four limestone mines located at Pipalmunda in Balangir district, Khatkurbahal (North) in Sundargarh, Behera Banjipali in Bargarh, Garramura in Nuapada and a graphite block at Jagdalpur in Rayagada district. The four limestone blocks have a cumulative deposit of about 24 million tons and the Khatkurbahal block (North) has the highest deposit of 9.99 million tons of limestone. It is believed that Jagdalpur block has a graphite reserve of two million tons, however, though the Directorate of Mines identified Naringpanga graphite block with a reserve of 0.33 million tons for auction, it was dropped at the last moment. Of the two chromite blocks that will be under the hammer, Sarubali with a reserve of 2.25 million tons is under the leasehold of Misrilall Mines while Kamarda with a deposit of 0.54 million ton has been leased out to BC Mohanty & Sons. Both the blocks are located in Jajpur district. The last date for purchase of tender document is September 11, 2019 and bidders have to submit their bids latest by September 20.