Patna. Bihar will no longer be limited to mining only sand and minor minerals. Preparations have been intensified to extract the huge mineral resources present in the state from the ground and increase their commercial use. The government has prepared a program for auction of big mineral blocks received from the Centre.
Treasure of minerals in Jamui and Banka
In the first phase, two mineral blocks of Jamui and Banka will be put up for e-auction. There are possibilities of magnetite in the Majos-Bhanta area of Jamui, while there are hopes for reserves of copper, lead and zinc in the Pindara block of Banka. Exploitation of these minerals can boost mineral based industries in Bihar and also create new opportunities for investment and employment.
Auction process will start from September 10
The auction process for both the blocks will start from September 10. Tender documents will be issued on the same day and interested companies will be able to register for site visit. Pre-bid meeting and site visit will be held on September 30. Companies will have to submit technical and financial bids by October 21, while e-auction is proposed on November 12.
Investors will get government help
The government is also working on simplifying the procedures to be followed before starting mining. Successful bidders will be given departmental support in processes related to forest areas, environmentally sensitive areas, land and essential infrastructure facilities.
Magnetite can provide raw material to the iron and steel industry. Whereas copper is used in electricity and other industries, in many industrial works including lead batteries and zinc is mainly used to protect steel from rust. In such a situation, the auction of these mineral blocks can prove to be the beginning of not only mining but also new opportunities for investment, industry and employment for Bihar.