E-auction dates for commercial mining of coal likely to be extended again Sources

    Kolkata, Aug 9 (PTI) The dates for submission of bids
for online auction of coal blocks for commercial mining
could be further extended due to disruptions caused by the
COVID-19 pandemic, sources said on Sunday.
    The Centre had earlier extended the dates for
submission of technical bids.
    According to the revised schedule, the last date for
submitting a technical bid is 2 pm of September 29, and e-
auction would be carried out for qualified bidders between
October 19 and November 9.
    However, the sources said further extension is likely
to be sought by investors, keeping in mind the COVID-19
restictions on travel and movement.
    "We are not sure whether this extension will be enough
for bidders to complete evaluation and feasibility studies,
which have to be conducted with rigorous on-ground data and
inputs. If needed, fresh extension would be sought," a senior
official of a large corporate bidder told PTI.
    Bidders require at least 45 days to carry out site
visits, technical and geological evaluations, and estimate
resettlement costs, among other considerations, the sources
said.
    Corporates, including, the Federation of Indian
Mineral Industries, had urged the government to push back the
dates for the e-auction process, leading to the new schedule.
    Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on June 18 launched
the auction process for 41 coal blocks for commercial mining,
a move that opened India's coal sector to private players, and
termed it a major step in the direction of India achieving
self-reliance. PTI BSM
RBT RBT

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)