Govt asks states to identify 5 mineral blocks with pre-embedded clearances for auction

• The list of these five states includes Odisha, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan

• The minister said that the move is aimed at boosting investment and ensuring that mining activity continues without hindrance

New Delhi: The government has asked five states to identify five mineral blocks with pre-embedded clearances for auction, said Union Minister for Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi on Friday. The list of these five states includes Odisha, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Speaking during a webinar on 'Strategic importance of Mining,' Joshi said, "We have requested the states of Gujarat, Odisha, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to identify at least five mineral blocks for auction with pre-embedded clarances. I have requested five (states) but if any state comes forward and offers for pre-embedded clearances, the Government of India is open for that."

The minister said that the move is aimed at boosting investment and ensuring that mining activity continues without hindrance.

Mining reforms in pipeline: Joshi

Joshi said that many reforms are in the pipeline for the mining sector and will be out shortly. "Very shortly, most investment and industrial friendly mining reforms are going to come out," said the minister. He emphasised that the reforms will bring a major change in the mining sector and will result in the growth of economy and job creation.

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While stressing that infrastructure will become the identity of modern India, the minister further said that 39 first-mile connectivity projects operate coal transport facilities worth Rs 18,000 crore are in various stages of implementation. He added that coal PSUs have an investment plan of almost Rs 2.5 lakh crore by 2030.

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