For the first time in the country the Government has put three coal blocks for auction.

Two blocks in Jharkhand — Jhirki & Jhirki (West) and Tokisud-II — and one in West Bengal — Andal Babuisol — are to be auctioned to steel, sponge iron and cement companies.

The bidders are required to bid above the prescribed floor price, Government said in a statement. The detailed documents, including request for proposal (RfP) and geological report, among others, are available at the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Ltd (CMPDIL).

The last date for buying documents is May 27. This means the auction is expected to take place under the regime of the new Government, which is expected to take charge by May.

Jhirki & Jhirki (West) of East Bokaro coalfield in Jharkhand has coking coal reserves of approximately 267.91 million tonnes. This would be given to steel manufacturers.

Andal Babuisol of Raniganj coalfield in West Bengal has reserves of about 103.841 mt and is earmarked for a sponge iron company.

Tokisud-II of the South Karanpura coalfield in Jharkhand has reserves of 127.692 mt and is earmarked for a cement plant. 

  siddhartha.s@thehindu.co.in