UT priority in Govt’s mining push: Mines Secy
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, May 12: The Union Ministry of Mines today launched the second tranche of e-auction of 12 limestone blocks in J&K, with the Centre highlighting the rapid expansion of the country’s mining sector and a sharp rise in operational mining projects over the past decade.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
The limestone blocks, spread across Anantnag, Rajouri and Poonch districts, were put up for bidding here as part of the Centre’s push for transparent and sustainable mineral development in the J&K.
Launching the auction process, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Piyush Goyal said the Government was prioritising J&K in its broader development push and expressed hope for strong investor participation in the auction process.
“J&K is a priority for us, and we want the pace of development seen across the country to be equally visible here. The launch of the second tranche of limestone block auctions is part of that effort,” Goyal told reporters. Click here to watch video
He said the Centre had extended support to the J&K administration to ensure the smooth conduct of the auction process and encourage wider investor participation.
“Today, we have launched the Tranche-II auction of 12 limestone blocks in Srinagar. We are seeing encouraging interest from bidders, and several of these blocks have substantial limestone reserves,” he said.
Officials said the 12 limestone blocks fall under the G3 and G4 stages of the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC) and are expected to attract interest from the cement and infrastructure sectors.
The five blocks being auctioned in the first attempt are Kalindange Limestone Block, Naubug-Halan Limestone Block and Sop Limestone Block in Anantnag district, and Dharamora Limestone Block and Faislabad Limestone Block in Poonch district.
The seven blocks being auctioned in the second attempt include Dooru Shahabad Limestone Block, Koot-Kapran Limestone Block and Wantrag Limestone Block in Anantnag district; Rajpura Limestone Block in Poonch district; and Darhal-Chittibatti Limestone Block, Khablian-Bharot-Danna Limestone Block and Lah Limestone Block-E in Rajouri district.
Highlighting the growth of the mining sector nationally, Goyal said India had successfully auctioned 212 mineral blocks last year, compared to nearly 100 earlier, describing it as a major achievement for the sector.
“India’s mining sector has expanded significantly over the last decade. Last year alone, 212 mineral blocks were successfully auctioned across the country, compared to nearly 100 earlier,” he said.
The Secretary said 58 mineral blocks had become operational in the last 10 years, while 36 blocks became operational in 2025-26 alone, signalling an accelerated pace in mining activity.
He also pointed to a rise in greenfield mining ventures, saying 28 of the 36 blocks operationalised this year were greenfield projects.
“The mining sector has gained strong momentum in the country. We have recorded nearly 8 per cent growth in limestone and iron ore production, while the sector overall registered a growth rate of 5.5 per cent,” he said.
Goyal said the Government was also intensifying efforts in the critical minerals sector, including lithium, nickel, cobalt and graphite, which are considered crucial for the green energy transition and strategic industries.
“We have already conducted 46 auctions of critical mineral blocks, while 19 more blocks are currently under auction. Our focus is not only on extraction but also on developing the downstream processing value chain,” he said.
The Ministry of Mines said the auction was being conducted under the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015, as amended.
During the technical session, officials from MECL, SBICAPs and MSTC made presentations on the geological potential of the blocks, auction procedures and the online bidding process.
Goyal said mining operations are governed by strict legal and environmental safeguards in the country.
“Mining operations are being carried out under stringent environmental and legal safeguards. The conditions laid down in various clearances are comprehensive and must be implemented in letter and spirit to ensure sustainable and responsible mining,” he said.
The Ministry said the sale of tender documents will begin on May 18, while the pre-bid conference is scheduled for June 5. The last date for the purchase of tender documents is July 15, and the final date for submission of bids is July 21.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
