^{SHIMLA-23rd August, 2024 -Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said here today that the State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Metal Scrap Trade Corporation Limited (MSTC), a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Steel, to facilitate e-Auction services for mining leases and composite licenses in Himachal Pradesh. The MoU was signed by Director of Industries Rakesh Kumar Prajapati on behalf of the State Government and Regional Manager Nitin Anand representing MSTC.}

^{He said that the state government was going to auction two big blocks of limestone in Arki tehsil of Solan district and Sunni tehsil of Shimla district. The limestone from these blocks is of fine quality making it highly valuable for use in cement, steel, glass and fertilizer industries. He emphasized that the MoU was signed to ensure a transparent auction process.}

^{Sh. Chauhan further highlighted that the auction of these mineral mines would not only boost the State’s revenue but also create employment opportunities for the local population.}

^{Principal Secretary Industries R.D. Nazeem and State Geologist Industries Department Puneet Guleria were also present on the occasion.}