Mining rules update to allow companies to explore a block and bid for it
blocks to bid for mining the same blocks, said officials. It is set to notify new mining rules which seek to encourage large mining companies to actively explore minerals in the country, they said.
Once approved, these changes in mining rules will allow companies to both explore a block and bid for it.
«This will prompt large players to undertake exploration activity which so far has seen muted interest,» said one of the officials, who did not wish to be identified.
Under the existing regime, companies that help establish mineable resources through exploration licences are barred from participating in bids for the same blocks.
The ban on exploration licence holders from bidding for mining acted as a deterrent for the sector, with many large mining companies that had units involved with exploration keeping away from participating in exploration. This put the entire burden of exploration on the Geological Survey of India to establish mineable resources in the country.
Focus on transparency
As per the proposed change, bids placed by companies for a block they explored will immediately be made public to bring transparency in the auction process.
Bids quoted by other participants will remain masked until the end of the auction, as is the case right now.
The official cited earlier said publicly declaring a bid by the exploration licence holder may encourage other participants to quote higher revenues.
Bidding is conducted by state governments and the revenue shared with the exchequer is the parameter which determines winners of a mining lease.
Exploration licence holders can explore the area from the reconnaissance stage and bring it up to the level required for starting mining operations.
