Brief on Auction of Critical and Strategic Minerals by Mines Ministry

Government of India through Designated Officer, Ministry of Mines issued the Notice Inviting Tender dated 29 November 2023 under Tranche I of e-auction by Central Government, in respect of 20 blocks of Critical & Strategic Minerals notified in Part D of the First Schedule of MMDR Act.

Further to launch of the first ever tranche, two roadshows in New Delhi and Bhubaneshwar, Odisha respectively on 19 December 2023 & 07 February 2024 and a Pre-bid conference were conducted on 22 December 2023. These events received a good response from the industry. The last date for submission of bids was 26 February 2024.

Total 56 physical bids and 56 online bids were received for 18 blocks out of 20 blocks. Further, the e-auction process for 13 mineral blocks was annulled vide notification dated 13 March 2024, wherein no bids were received for 2 blocks and less than 3 Technically Qualified Bidders (TQB) were there for 11 blocks.

Further, the second round of e-auction (forward ascending) was scheduled for 6 blocks vide notification dated 13 March 2024. The second round of e-auction for these blocks have been completed as per schedule. Decision on 1 block namely Kundol, Nickel and Chromium Block of Gujurat will be taken by Designated Officer in due course of time.

Out of the 11 blocks annulled, 7 blocks have been notified for e-auction under tranche III vide Notice Inviting Tender dated 14 March 2024. The last date for sale of Tender Document is 16 May 2024 on or before 17:00 hours (IST) and the last date for submission of the bid is 21 May 2024 on or before 17:00 hours (IST) for the third tranche of auction.

In addition of the same, e-auction process under tranche II for 18 blocks is also ongoing. The last date for sale of Tender Document is 10 May 2024 on or before 17:00 hours (IST) and the last date for submission of the bid is 15 May 2024 on or before 17:00 hours (IST) for the second tranche of auction.

Potential Bidders are advised to visit the MSTC e-auction platform (https://www.mstcecommerce.com/auctionhome/mlcln/index.jsp ) for further updates. For any further queries, bidders may write to Designated Officer (do-mom[at]gov[dot]in).