Many new and innovative steps are being taken by the Vasundhara Raje Government for the development of the state. One more step in this direction is the holding an open auction of a copper block and four limestone blocks in the state. This is done with the view of lining the state as the top mining destination in India.
It’s one of a kind copper block auction being organized by any of the Indian states. The copper block is situated in Ajmer district. D S Maru, director of Mines and Geology has said that copper block has varied scope and potential based on industrial requirements and preferences. Such copper blocks are attractive in terms of sizes, land ownership patterns, and economics.
Rajasthan is the first of a kind state to auction a copper block. Besides these five blocks, the government has also prepared four iron ore blocks and two manganese blocks for auctions. “We are investing in world-class exploration capabilities as well as focusing on clearing all pending applications. Rajasthan is a cement production hub and these new limestone mines will enhance expansion opportunities and give new players a chance to invest in the state,” Maru said.
According to Pushpendra Singh Ranawat, an earth scientist and retired professor of geology, it is a welcome step for any state to lift the political control over Prospecting Lease (PL) and Mining Lease (ML). Thus, it could be assumed that through these reforms, the state will hold a premier position in limestone resources at the national level, as claimed by the experts.
