Jharkhand and Odisha have identified about 200 mines that can be auctioned once the Centre finalizes rules for bidding process.
This development comes in the backdrop of government auctioning 33 coal blocks so far to garner over Rs 2 lakh crore.
According to Mines Ministry sources mineral-rich states have identified 168 limestone blocks, 16 bauxite mines, 12 iron ore mines and 3 manganese ore mines most of which may be auctioned in the first round after the rules and regulations are finalised.
It may be recalled that last month Parliament passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2015, paving the way for auction of mines bearing minerals like iron ore, bauxite and limestone.
