Rajasthan Tops in Mineral Block Auctions, Declares Official
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Jaipur, Dec 13 (NationPress) Rajasthan has solidified its status as the leading state in India for the auction of significant mineral blocks, with a total of 87 blocks auctioned thus far, including 33 blocks in the ongoing financial year, as stated by Principal Secretary for Mines and Petroleum, T. Ravikant, on Friday.
He further directed officials to prepare for the upcoming e-auction of more than 100 major mineral blocks in the next financial year.
While speaking during a meeting with senior officials from the Mineral Department in Udaipur, he underscored the vision of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma to enhance mineral exploration and hasten the preparation of mineral blocks for e-auction.
He also requested a thorough roadmap to optimize the processes for both major and minor mineral blocks.
In reviewing the progress of minor mineral block auctions, he noted the successful e-auction of 429 minor mineral plots and quarry licenses, which encompass over 890 hectares this year.
“This initiative has generated over ₹182 crore in revenue, accounting for 40 percent of the auction premium,” he stated.
He also assured that Rajasthan is poised to establish a new record in the e-auction of minor mineral blocks by the close of the financial year. Additionally, he mentioned plans to auction over 100 major mineral blocks next year and issued strong directives to officials aimed at curbing illegal mining activities.
Ravikant urged officials to adopt a proactive and watchful approach in the field to thwart illegal mining, transportation, and storage, ensuring no loss of state revenue. He emphasized the importance of achieving 100 percent recovery of revenue targets and promoting innovation within the mining sector.
Saudi Arabia has previously expressed interest in the mining and petroleum domains and initiated discussions regarding investment with senior officials from the Mines and Petroleum Department. They displayed particular interest in investing in the petrochemical sector alongside mining.
The Principal Secretary also shared that the delegation attending the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit, led by Deputy Minister of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Abdul Majeed Falah, showed enthusiasm for investing in the mineral and petrochemical sectors in the state.
Additional Director Mines, BS Sodha, provided extensive information to the Saudi Arabian delegation regarding the minerals available in the state, the exploration process, and the mineral blocks slated for future development.
He noted that Rajasthan is rich in decorative stones as well as critical and strategic minerals, with their blocks being prepared and auctioned in a phased manner.
