WB govt seeks Coal Min approval for 12 coal mining blocks

Kolkata, Nov 28 (UNI) The West Bengal government has sought the Coal Ministry's approval for coal mining in 12 blocks in Bardhaman, Bankura and Birbhum districts of the state to develop coal linkages for industries setting up base here.

The state government had already obtained approval for mining in three coal blocks--Trans-Damodar, Icchapur and Kulti blocks in the state, state's principal secretary of Commerce and Industry Department Sabyasachi Sen told reporters today.

Mr Sen was speaking on the sidelines of a Bengal Chamber of Commerce sponsored seminar on ''Steel in Auto Components and Construction'' here.

Mr Sen said the mines would be explored with joint venture partnership under the public-private-partnership (PPP) model. The West Bengal Minerals Development and Trading Corporation (WBMTDC) would hold the majority stake in the projects.

He said in the three approved blocks, the government has already found a partner for the Trans-Damodar block. The process of obtaining clearance of Director of Mining Safety and Environment Ministry and land acquisition was on, Mr Sen added.

The move would stop illegal mining and develop coal linkages with the industries in the state, the secretary hoped.

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