PTI reported that Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation has invited global bids for the valuation of its mining assets and mineral ore reserves at Ambaji in Gujarat.

A senior GMDC official said that "We have invited global bids under the multi-metal project for getting valuation of our assets in Ambaji done. Once the valuation is through, we can begin mining of huge deposits of lead, zinc and copper there. Since part of the reserves in Ambaji fall in the state of Rajasthan, we inked MoUs with the Rajasthan State Mineral Development Corporation and private company Binani group way back in 2002-03 to make the project economically viable."

The GMDC official said that after clubbing the deposits falling in both the states multi metal project has turned to be economically feasible. He said that "A large scale plant, using ore and mineral deposits at Ambaji and adjoining areas of Rajasthan, would be built for the preparation of concentrates of lead, zinc and copper."

Sources said that an American agency has already extended assistance of USD 500,000 to prepare a comprehensive feasibility report and analysis of raw ore at Ambaji.

(Sourced from Press Trust of India)