India: SM Steels and Power Limited emerges as key bidder for Ulia Gamhardih

• Nine coal blocks auctioned since 21 Nov'24
  
  

In the ongoing coal block e-auctions, SM Steels and Power Limited emerged as the key bidder for Ulia Gamhardih. The mine has a reserve of 587.7 mnt of non-coking coal.

On 21 October 2024, the Ministry of Coal opened the bids for the 10th round of commercial coal mine auctions, along with the second attempt for the 8th and 9th rounds. Out of the 61 coal mines offered in the 10th tranche, a total of 43 bids were received for 16 mines. Following the evaluation of bids, forward e-auctions for nine coal mines began on 21 November.

Nine coal blocks have been auctioned so far. Key bidders included JSW Energy, JSW Steel, National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), Jindal Steel and Power (JSP), ACC, and NTPC.

Earlier, on the first day of the auction, five coal mines were offered, comprising one fully and four partially explored blocks. Together, these mines have total geological reserves of 2,630.77 million tonnes (mnt) and a peak-rated capacity (PRC) of 12.00 mntpa. JSW Energy Utkal emerged as the key bidder on Day 1.

On the second day, two coal mines were put up for auction, and Sarda Energy and Minerals (SEML) and SM Steels and Power emerged as the key bidders. On the third day of the ongoing coal block e-auctions, Orissa Alloy Steel emerged as the key bidder for Kerendari - BC North.