Raipur | March 07, 2016: The Centre has lauded Chhattisgarh government for undertaking e-auction of limestone blocks in the state.

Union Steel and Coal Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has congratulated Chief Minister Raman Singh for successfully undertaking e-auction of limestone blocks, official sources said today.

The last month's auction of limestone blocks in Karhi Chandi, Baloda Bazaar-Bhatapara district, was first such sale in the State under the Centre's Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, they said.

In a letter to Raman, who also holds the Mine portfolio, Tomar said Chhattisgarh has become a leading state in auctioning limestone blocks under the Act.

Following this public sale, the State will get Rs 413.30 crore in royalty, while a sum of Rs 313.80 crore will go to the National Mineral Exploration Trust, he said.

Tomar has offered all possible help from his Ministry to the State Government for future auctions, the sources added.

The Karhi Chandi blocks were auctioned at 58.95 per cent higher than the base price set by the Indian Bureau of Mining (IBM price), they said.

(Source: http://www.business-standard.com/)