NEW DELHI | Sept 14, 2016: The mines ministry will call bids from global and domestic companies for mineral exploration work in 20 prospective blocks, officials said.

The ministry will shortlist one or two exploration agencies through the tendering process, they said, adding that the selected companies will be allowed to carry out exploration work on their own or appoint sub-contractors.

The government had identified 100 large acreages to boost mineral exploration in the country. Of these, 30 each are being given to Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd and Geological Survey of India. Another 20 will be given to central public sector undertakings like NTPC, Steel Authority of India and NMDC.

(Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/)