NEW DELHI | Jul 07, 2015: Steel and Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar today asked the Karnataka government to expedite mines auction in the state.
Tomar, who called on Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah in Belgaum today, said: "In addition to 13 blocks identified by the state for ML and 9 blocks for PL-cum-ML, action should also be initiated for auction of leases for mines in cases where the Supreme Court has cancelled the leases."
Rules and draft tender documents for the auction have been issued and the state can expedite the "process so that mining activity gets a boost and the state gets more revenue", Tomar said.
More areas under mineralisation should be identified for auction, he suggested, adding that central undertakings like GSI and MECL shall provide all assistance.
"The Centre and states must decide the future course of action in the case of Bharat Gold Mines. Quick action also needs to be taken for setting up of District Mineral Foundation in different districts," he said.
The issue of reservation of mines for VISL, Bhadravati, also came up for discussion.
He also told the CM about the plan to set up a steel plant in Karnataka through a Special Purpose Vehicle.
Siddaramaiah assured active consideration and positive action in respect of issues that came up for discussion during the meeting.
(Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/)