Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Coal

18-December-2012 12:17 IST

The Government has notified the ‘Auction by Competitive Bidding of Coal mines Rules, 2012’ on 2nd February, 2012. Further, the notification on the commencement of the said Amendment Act, 2010 has also been notified under the amended Act and above mentioned Rules.

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2010 provides for grant of reconnaissance permit, prospective licence or mining lease in respect of an area containing coal and lignite through auction by competitive bidding, on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed. This, would however, not be applicable in the following cases:-

- Where such area is considered for allocation to a Government company or corporation for mining or such other specified end use;

- Where such area is considered for allocation to a company or corporation that has been awarded a power project on the basis of competitive bids for tariff (including Ultra Mega Power Projects).

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Coal, Shri Pratik Prakashbapu Patil in a written reply in Lok sabha today.

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NCJ/RV

Competitive bidding for coal mines mandated, with specified exceptions for government companies and power-project awardees. The Amendment Act authorises grant of reconnaissance permits, prospective licences or mining leases for coal and lignite areas by Auction by Competitive Bidding under prescribed terms; exceptions permit direct allocation to a government company or corporation for mining or specified end use, and to a company awarded a power project through competitive tariff bids, including ultra mega power projects.