Bauxite mining may commence in Kasaragod shortly

Bauxite mining rights in two blocks in Kasaragod will be auctioned off shortly.

The State government is in the process of finalising the auction process of bauxite in Narala block in an area of 1.5 sq. km in Mulleria and 2.8 sq. km area in Ukkinadka block, Badiyadukka and Enmakaje villages in Manjeswaram taluk in the district.

Various government agencies as well as private players can bid for the mining rights. The State government is also actively considering another proposal to explore the platinum group of minerals.

The State government decided to auction the mining rights of bauxite, a naturally occurring mineral used in a host of industries including Aluminium and cement, after studies conducted by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) confirmed the presence of the minerals at commercially explorable levels, sources indicated.

The G2 level of exploration done for the detailed mapping and sampling of minerals to identify potentially economically viable zones has been completed in Narla. It has been estimated that 0.2113 million tonnes of high-grade bauxite and 5.1417 million tonnes of aluminous laterite could be exploited from the block. The potential yield from the Ukkikadka block will be known by next month when the GSI will complete the G2 level studies. Indications are that cement-grade bauxite is available in the region, which could be consumed by cement factories, sources said.

The Narula block is located in the fringe area of the Kadakam Reserve Forest, which is an acacia plantation of the Forest department. Private individuals and the government own the land that comes under the Ukkinadka block, say officials.

The government anticipates a revenue of around ₹5,000 crore from the auction of the mining rights. A high-level committee headed by the Principal Secretary (Industries department) will be formed shortly to take forward the bidding process. The State may also appoint a transactional advisor to lead the auction.