Odisha approves auction of 10 mineral blocks after two-year delay

Bhubaneswar,(Orissa Today) Feb 3: The Odisha government has approved the auction of 10 mineral blocks, primarily comprising iron ore and manganese ore, after a prolonged wait of over two years. The decision, influenced by a push from the Central government, comes amid concerns over fluctuating metal prices.
The approved auction list includes four iron ore mines—Koira in Sundargarh district and Roida-1, Putulipani, and Jalahuri in Keonjhar district—whose lease periods expired in 2021. Additionally, Jhumka-Pathiriposhi West, a virgin iron ore block in Sundargarh, has also been put up for auction.
Three blocks containing both iron ore and manganese deposits—Orahuri and Bhanjikususm in Sundargarh and Roida-D in Keonjhar—have also been included in the auction. Furthermore, the state has approved the auction of two virgin bauxite blocks, Karlapat in Kalahandi and Nunapaimali in Rayagada.
Despite forming the government seven months ago, the BJP-led administration was hesitant about e-auctioning mines due to low metal prices and potential lack of bidder interest. However, sources suggest that Union Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy’s intervention during his recent visit influenced the state’s decision to proceed.