Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) has directed mining companies to revise and resubmit their detailed project reports (DPRs) by February 16, following the postponement of the proposed e-auction of low-grade iron ore dumps pending evaluation.
The move comes after the The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) raised queries and made certain observations on the DPRs submitted by bidders.
DMG Director Narayan Gad confirmed the development, stating that bidders have been asked to address the observations and submit revised reports within the stipulated timeline.
“TERI had made some observations on the DPR and accordingly, we directed the bidders to revise their report and submit it by February 16,” Gad said. He added that the auction process will be conducted soon after the revised DPRs are scrutinised and cleared.
Last month, the DMG had postponed the proposed e-auction of ten low-grade iron ore dumps, originally scheduled for January 8–9. The dumps are estimated to contain around 22 million metric tonnes of ore.
As per the prescribed procedure, each bidder must submit a DPR in conformity with the guidelines laid down by TERI. The report is required to comprehensively detail the excavation plan, safety measures, logistics and transportation arrangements, waste-handling strategy, environmental management plan, and a dump-closure proposal.
According to the DMG, a total of 26 iron ore dumps have been identified on private land where former leaseholders have not paid conversion fees. Of these, ten dumps located in Sanguem, Sattari and Dharbandora talukas have been shortlisted for e-auction in the first phase.
Officials indicated that once the revised DPRs are approved, the e-auction process will move forward without further delay.
