The Union Mines Secretary Balvinder Kumar has said some 70-80 mineral blocks are likely to be put on auction by the end of 2016. Meanwhile, seven blocks have been allocated through auction and for another 35 blocks, tenders have been issued. 
Speaking at Minerals, Metals, Metallurgy & Materials International Exhibition and Conference (MMMM 2016), Kumar said, while mineral production in India registered 9 per cent growth in 2015-16, we are inching towards a stage wherein we have surplus coal production and shall be able to export it soon.