31 companies submit bids for commercial coal mines auctions

The Indian government revealed that 31 companies including top players in the industry have submitted bids for 24 mines under commercial coal mines auctions. The bid documents were opened today.

The coal ministry in its statement said as many as 38 online and offline bids were submitted during the three rounds of auctions. "A total of 31 companies have submitted their bids (both online and offline) in the auction process".

Birla Corporation Ltd, Jaiprakash Power Ventures Ltd, Rungta Metals Private Ltd, JSW Steel, Vedanta Ltd, NLC India Ltd, Jindal Power, Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd, and Godavari Power & Ispat Ltd. are among the bidders.

A multi-disciplinary technical evaluation committee will evaluate the bids and shortlist technically qualified bidders to participate in the electronic auction. The forum was also opened for discussion and suggestions from bidders on making the commercial coal mine auctions more attractive for the industry.

According to the ministry, a total of 28 offline bids were received against 15 coal mines on offer under the fifth round of the auctions. A total of four coal mines were put up for auctions, and four bids were received for three coal mines in the second attempt of the fourth round.