A total of 46 companies, including JSW Steel, Jindal Steel, and Adani, are bidding for 20 coal blocks in India's latest commercial mining auction. Most of these blocks are non-coking coal, with only one reserved for coking coal. The auction has seen an "unprecedented response," with over 15 new companies participating, including a subsidiary of Coal India, marking their debut in the commercial coal mine auctions. 

Other notable bidders include Bharat Aluminium Company, Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation, Orissa Metaliks, Lloyds Metal, and Odisha Coal and Power. 

The bids will undergo a technical evaluation by a multi-disciplinary committee, with the shortlisted bidders proceeding to the electronic auction stage on the MSTC portal. This move is part of the government's strategy to boost domestic coal production and reduce reliance on imports. 

(SiliconIndia)