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By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, January 18, 2017: The Odisha government will shortly put two more iron ore blocks – Netrabandhapahad and Kalmang (both in Sundargarh district) on auction in its bid to make up revenue shortfall it faces in this fiscal.

Earlier, the state had auctioned three blocks – Ghorhaburhani-Sagasah (iron ore), Kottameta (limestone) and Lasarda-Pacheri (manganese). While Essar Steel Limited bagged the iron ore block in Sundargarh district in March, 2016, Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited and Thriveni Earthmovers Private Limited (TEPL) bagged the limestone and manganese blocks, respectively.

A state government official said that the differentially global positing system (DGPS) survey – a mandatory process before putting blocks on auction, has already been completed for these two blocks. “Notification for auction would be issued within the next one month,” he said requesting anonymity.

The Centre had earlier asked the state government to expedite the mining auction process, which had been very tardy compared to other states. In fact, Karnataka has auctioned the highest seven blocks among all states.

“The state government had received good response from bidders. Five firms each had qualified for the financial bidding process of the iron ore and manganese blocks, while there were three for the limestone block,” an officer said.

Earlier, the state government cancelled the auction process of Garamura and Uskalvagu limestone blocks since no bidders applied for these two during the previous two auction process. Geographical location of these two blocks was considered a disadvantage and one of the reasons behind the lukewarm response to the auction.