New Delhi: In a move that could trigger a fresh controversy over the valuation of natural resources, the Power Ministry has sought that the reserve price of coal blocks to be offered through the competitive bidding route be set at 90 per cent discount on the intrinsic value of the mine.

The demand comes as the Coal Ministry gears up to auction about 54 blocks following the controversy over “notional losses” because of blocks being offered without auctions during 2004-09.