Chhattisgarh government has planned to auction 16 new blocks of iron ore and limestone in the next two to three months. The move was announced during a virtual meeting by the Union Coal and Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.

Union Minister Joshi appreciated the state government’s provocative steps in bringing more mines into auctions. The priority of the Centre is the allocation of mines. Chhattisgarh is the first state to auction mine blocks as per the direction of the Government of India.

In a series of tweets, Joshi said, “Following up on mining reforms, had a meeting with CM of Chhattisgarh, Shri @bhupeshbaghel Ji. Deliberated on several ongoing issues pertaining to coal and mineral mining in the state. Government is working with state administration to facilitate early operationalization of auctioned mines.”

Highlighting the promotion of the industrialization of iron ore mines in Bastar, the CM urged the Union Minister to reserve Bailadila iron ore deposit No. 1 (Dantewada district) in favour of Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC). Joshi assured the CM that necessary initiatives will be taken in this direction.