Govt likely to seek bids for 51 coal blocks

The much anticipated coal block auctions could roll from April with the government putting up as many as 51 coal blocks for bidding by private players.

According to sources, the coal ministry, in consultation with the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Ltd (CMPDIL), has drawn up a list of blocks to be thrown open for bidding.

“The list has been prepared by CMPDIL and has been forwarded to the ministry and one round of discussion has also taken place between the ministry and CMPDIL on these blocks,” an industry source said.

Most of these blocks are located in the coal-bearing regions of West Bengal, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, and some in Orissa, the source said.

Also, most of these are underground mines, though some opencast mines have also been included.

Though the combined estimated reserve potential of the blocks could not be known, the source said that the average
reserve is expected to be between 50 million tonne (mt) and 300 mt.

CMPDIL officials declined to comment on the matter, citing confidentiality. “It is sensitive information and will be announced in due course by the coal ministry only,” said B Dayal, public relations officer, CMPDIL.

The source, however, said only companies with firm plans would be able to participate in the auction.