TNI Bureau: The Odisha government will hold a meeting on January 3, 2025, to finalise the annual calendar for auction of major mineral blocks as well as critical and strategic mineral blocks in the state.
The meeting, scheduled for 4.00 pm in the Steel Room of the Steel and Mines Department, will be chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Steel and Mines Department. Senior officials from key central and state agencies, including OMC Ltd, the Directorate of Mines and Geology (Odisha), the Geological Survey of India (SU–Odisha), MECL and the Indian Bureau of Mines, have been requested to attend.
According to official communication issued by Additional Secretary to Government Gauttam Chaudhury, OAS, the Ministry of Mines has emphasised the need for preparation and timely publication of an Annual Auction Calendar to ensure predictability and transparency in the mineral auction process. The Ministry has also asked states to finalise and share the calendar within prescribed timelines.
In line with this directive, the Directorate of Mines and Geology, Odisha, has proposed a list of major mineral blocks and critical and strategic mineral blocks, explored by DoMG, OMC, GSI and MECL, for inclusion in the Annual Auction Calendar. Details of the proposed blocks and their exploration status have been shared with the state government.
The upcoming meeting will review the suitability, exploration status and readiness of these blocks for auction and aim to finalise the annual auction calendar. The Directorate of Mines and Geology has also been asked to make a PowerPoint presentation on the proposed blocks during the meeting.
Key Highlights:
The Odisha government, through its Steel and Mines Department, has begun the process of preparing a comprehensive Annual Auction Calendar covering major minerals as well as critical and strategic mineral blocks.
This initiative is in response to directions from the Union Ministry of Mines, which has underlined the importance of a structured, transparent and time-bound approach to mineral block auctions across states.
The process involves coordinated inputs from multiple central and state agencies, including the Directorate of Mines and Geology, Odisha Mining Corporation, Geological Survey of India, MECL and the Indian Bureau of Mines, reflecting strong institutional collaboration.
The proposed auction pipeline includes a wide range of major mineral resources such as iron ore, bauxite, manganese, limestone, dolomite, copper and gold spread across various districts of the state.
A significant number of inactive and expired mining leases have been shortlisted, indicating the state’s focus on unlocking unutilised mineral potential through fresh auctions.
Special focus has been given to critical and strategic minerals like graphite, rare earth elements, titanium, vanadium, tin and base metals, aligning Odisha’s mineral planning with national industrial and strategic priorities.
Mineral blocks at varying stages of geological exploration—from preliminary to advanced levels—have been included, ensuring a balance between immediate auction opportunities and long-term resource development.
The Directorate of Mines and Geology has been assigned to present detailed technical assessments of the proposed blocks, suggesting that final decisions will be based on comprehensive data analysis.
Overall, the initiative reflects Odisha’s intent to fast-track mineral auctions, boost revenue generation and reinforce its strategic position in India’s mineral and critical resource supply chain.
