New Delhi, Jul 8 (KNN) Ministry of Steel and Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Tuesday asked the Karnataka government to expedite the auction process so that mining activity gets a boost and state gets more revenue.

He met Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Belgaum, Karnataka to deliberate on steel and mines related issues in the state.

Tomar stated that auction rules and draft tender documents for auction of mines have been issued.

He also informed about the plan to set up a steel plant in the state of Karnataka through a Special Purpose Vehicle and reiterated the commitment of central government to the plan.

“In addition to 13 blocks identified by the state for ML and 9 blocks for PL-cum-ML, action should also be initiated for auction of leases for mines in cases where Supreme Court has cancelled the leases. More areas under mineralization should be identified for auction,” he said.

Tomar said central undertakings like GSI and MECL will provide assistance for exploration of such areas.

He also said that Centre and state government must decide the future course of action in case of Bharat Gold Mines Limited. Quick action also needs to be taken for setting up of District Mineral Foundation in different districts.

The meeting also discussed the issue of reservation of mine for VISL, Bhadravati.

Expressing his gratitude to Tomar, chief minister Siddaramaiah assured active consideration and positive action in respect of issues that came up for discussion during the meeting.

Senior officials from Ministry of Steel, Ministry of Mines and office of Chief Minister were present during the meeting. (KNN/ST)