Section 11D: Central Government to conduct auction for grant of mining lease or composite licence in respect of minerals specified in Part D of First Schedule

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the Central Government shall, for the purpose of granting mining lease or composite licence in any area in respect of any mineral specified in the Part D of the First Schedule, select, through auction by method of competitive bidding, including e-auction, a preferred bidder who fulfils the eligibility conditions as specified in section 5, on such terms and conditions, and in such manner, as may be prescribed.

(2) Upon successful completion of the auction, the Central Government shall intimate the details of the preferred bidder in the auction to the State Government and the State Government shall grant mining lease or composite licence for such area, to such preferred bidder, in such manner, as may be prescribed by the Central Government.

(3) The royalty, dead rent, applicable amount quoted in the auction and any other statutory payment in relation to the mining lease or composite licence auctioned by the Central Government shall accrue to the State Government or concerned authorities, as the case may be, as if the auction has been conducted by the State Government.]