New Delhi, Feb 19 (IANS): The Ministry of Coal on Monday said that it has received an overwhelming response for the coal mines offered under the 9th round of commercial auctions with as many 40 bids coming in offline form.

“The online bids received as part of the auction process along with the offline bids that have been submitted will be opened on February 20, 2024, in the presence of bidders,” the ministry said.

It said that the Ninth round of commercial auctions was launched by the Ministry of Coal on December 20, 2023, for 32 coal mines.

It said that the last date for submission of bids was February 19.

“A total of 33 bids have been received under 19th/9th tranche of auctions where 2 or more bids have been received for 8 coal mines and single bids have been received for 5 coal mines,” the ministry said.

The ministry added that seven bids have been received under 2nd Attempt of 17th/7th tranche of auction against three coal mines.