Jharkhand to Auction 62 Coal and 49 Other Closed Mines as Hemant Soren Cancels Allocations

The Jharkhand government has announced that it will cancel the allocation of closed mines and put them up for auction. 62 of the 165 coal mines allotted to the state are currently non-operational. In addition, 49 of the 85 leases for other minerals such as iron ore, bauxite, copper and gold are also shut. The decision comes as part of a move to streamline mining operations and improve resource utilisation in the state. The auction process is expected to be carried out under the rules of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.