India, Dec. 23 -- The process for auctioning 49 mines has been initiated by the Odisha government, which has convened a high-level meeting on January 3 to advance the exercise.

Official sources said the meeting is expected to finalise the annual auction calendar for the identified mining blocks. The proposed auction of gold mines in Mayurbhanj and Deogarh districts is also likely to be discussed.

Prior to finalising the auction calendar, the feasibility, inquiry status, and preparedness for auction of the proposed mining blocks will be reviewed, sources added.

Based on a detailed examination, the list of primary, critical, and strategic mining blocks has already been prepared. The assessment was carried out by the Director of Mines and...