Govt may auction six mineral blocks in February, to boost mining sector
The government is likely to put on sale six mineral blocks, including four iron ore mines, in the current month.
The move would give a boost to mining sector's contribution to the country's gross domestic product.
The four iron ore blocks, situated in Chhattisgarh, are likely to be auctioned on Tuesday, according to the mines ministry.
The notice inviting tenders for the mines -- Chhitpuri B iron ore block, Gomter Wakeli, Bijapur, Hahaladdi, North Bastar Kanker, Lohhater, North Bastar Kanker -- were floated last year.
The auction of Bandiamottu block in Andhra Pradesh, which has lead and associated minerals such as nickel, cobalt and copper, is also likely to be conducted in February.
The notice inviting tender for the block was issued in December last year.
Besides, the auction of Udagi Block -- a limestone mine in Karnataka -- has also been extended to be held in February, the ministry said.
Since the new procedure for auctioning of mineral blocks was introduced in 2015, a t