Five mineral blocks being auctioned in Rajasthan have evoked significant industry interest with participation from large players from across the country. Pre-bid conference for these auctions took place at DMG, Udaipur on 9th August under the chairmanship of Director, Ministry of Mines Mr. Prithul Kumar and Director, Mines & Geology Mr. D S Maru. Earlier, the Rajasthan government had announced the auction of four limestone blocks and one copper block on 2nd July.

Rajasthan is a hub for production of limestone and metals like copper and zinc with footprint of all major cement and metal mining companies in the state. In addition to these existing players looking for expansion, many new players and conglomerates looking for diversification have bought the tender documents. An executive from a major cement company bidding for these blocks said, “DMG, Rajasthan has taken several measures to attract investors including strategic selection of blocks and making the process investor-friendly. Rajasthan was always a mineral-rich state but these measures have inspired confidence in the mining community leading to an increased industry interest.”

Government of India has also been working tirelessly to introduce much-needed reforms in the sector. Mr. Kumar said “We have constituted Post-Auction Mining Clearances and Approvals Facilitator (PAMCAF) to reduce delays required for statutory clearances and approvals for auctioned blocks. We are also working on creating a platform for online monitoring of the status of these clearances.” On behalf of the government, he committed all necessary support to investors.