Patna: Bihar’s mines and geology department will soon auction mineral blocks in Banka and Jamui districts, with tender documents currently being prepared. The blocks include copper, lead and zinc deposits in Banka and a magnetite block in Jamui. Once auctioned, mining rights will be awarded to selected firms, officials said.The announcement came during a meeting of the State Geological Programming Board (SGPB), chaired by mines and geology secretary Avaneesh Kumar Singh. The meeting was attended by mines director Maneesh Kumar Meena and representatives from the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and Bihar Remote Sensing Application Centre.So far, Bihar’s mining revenue has largely come from minor minerals such as sand and stone, and the major mineral limestone. However, the department sees rare earth elements (REEs) and other critical minerals identified in the state as potential new sources of revenue.Officials said GSI has identified 38 projects in Bihar, while 13 mineral blocks are at various stages of exploration licence (EL), composite licence (CL) and mining lease (ML) processes.The board also recommended that the forest and environment department share updated classifications of eco-sensitive zones and wildlife sanctuary areas to help streamline and expedite mineral-related approvals and activities.
