The Ministry of Mines, will be conducting a roadshow on critical and strategic minerals here on 19thDecember, 2023. The event will be held at The Ashok, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi and will be graced by Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines, Shri Pralhad Joshi and Minister of State of Mines, Coal and Railways, Shri Raosaheb Patil Danve.
Critical minerals are essential for our country’s economic development and national security. These minerals are in high demand and the demand is usually met by imports. Critical minerals cater to the needs of sectors like renewable energy, defence, agriculture, pharmaceutical, high-tech electronics, telecommunications, transport, creation of giga factories etc.
In light of the same, enabled through an amendment in the MMDR Act on 17thAugust 2023, which confers the power to grant mineral concession of critical minerals to Central Government, Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi launched the the very first Tranche of auction of 20 critical and strategic mineral blocks on 29th November, 2023.
To ensure the success of this landmark initiative, the Ministry of Mines, is conducting the roadshow to reach out to the industry players, potential bidders, and various other stakeholders, to facilitate the dissemination of relevant information to the potential bidders.
Pre-bid conference with prospective bidder is scheduled on 22nd December 2023, last date of sale of Tender Document is 16th January 2024 and last date of bid submission is 22nd January 2024. Thereafter, e-auction will commence for selection of preferred bidder. Details of the mines, auction terms, timelines etc. can be accessed on MSTC auction platform at www.mstcecommerce.com/auctionhome/mlcl/index.jsp.
The Ministry is committed to ensure that the launch auction of critical mineral blocks meets its intended success and the overarching vision of self-sufficiency in the area of critical and strategic minerals is achieved.
BY/RKP
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