Dimapur, May 15 (MExN): The Department of Geology and Mining (DoGM) Nagaland has stated that the “best option” at this juncture is to invite Expression of Interest (EOI) for public auction of coal.
This is in best interest of all the stakeholders including the local coal miners, stated a press release issued by Er Tsuknung Jamir, Additional Director & Head of Department.
The recommendation was based on a joint visit to the coal depots from April 27-28.
As per the release, the DoGM, on receipt of several complaints from the coal mining license holders and coal depot outsourced licensees, expressing their difficulties for transportation of Nagaland coal by road to other states, conducted the visit to “take stock of the situation.”
During the visit, it was confirmed that hardly any coal could be transported by road due to various reasons, adversely affecting the coal miners and producers who are doing small time business as their livelihood, it said.
The visiting team was equally concerned about the incubation period for spontaneous heating of coal, if not attended at the right time is seriously affecting the economy, environment and safety of the people in the area, it added.
Accordingly, after careful study, it was of the considered view that the coal at the depots/ stockyards should be disposed off and transported out without any further delay, the DoGM release further stated.
The best option is to invite EoI for public auction of coal, which would facilitate local entrepreneurs, producers, coal mining lease and coal depot outsourced license holders to have better price of coal with transparency and avoid market monopoly, it added.
