(a) the total number of mines that were e-Auctioned during the current year and the previous year, State/UT wise;
(b) the total number of mines that are currently operational out of the ones that were e-auctioned during the above period;
(c) whether e-auctioning has resulted in greater transparency and higher revenue than the traditional allotment process; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF MINES, COAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)
(a): A total of 64 mineral blocks of major minerals have been e-auctioned by States so far. The State wise auction summary is at Annexure.
(b): 4 iron ore mines which were e-auctioned in Karnataka have been operationalized.
(c) & (d): Yes, Sir. MMDR Amendment Act, 2015 instituted e-auction by competitive bidding as the default method of grant of mineral concessions of major minerals thereby eliminating discretion and increasing transparency. The estimated total revenue accruing to the State Governments over the lease period of these auctioned mines is ? 1,85,093 crore which includes an estimated additional auction premium of ? 1,44,296 crore to the State Governments.
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