Two limestone blocks auctioned under Centre’s process

SRINAGAR, Oct 2: In a first for Jammu and Kashmir, two limestone mineral blocks in Anantnag district have been successfully auctioned under the Centre’s mineral auction process, paving the way for new phase of organised mineral development in the Union Territory.

Officials said the Koot-Kapran and Wantrag limestone blocks were auctioned through the Ministry of Mines, Government of India.

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Spread over 22.43 hectares, the Koot-Kapran block has estimated limestone resources of 4.75 million tonnes and has been explored up to the G-4 stage, while the 5.36-hectare Wantrag block has estimated resources of 10.853 million tonnes and has undergone G-3 level exploration, including 159 metres of drilling.

A Press Information Bureau (PIB) statement said the successful auction marks an important step towards unlocking the mineral potential of J&K and initiating a new phase of organised mineral development in the Union Territory.

“The development comes as J&K continues to witness greater focus on infrastructure, investment and economic development following the abrogation of Article 370. The auction of these mineral blocks adds a new dimension to this development journey by enabling systematic exploration and development of the union Territory’s mineral resources,” the statement said.

The Government of J&K had entrusted the auction of mineral blocks to the Ministry of Mines, Government of India. The successful completion of the auction reflects the use of a transparent and competitive mineral auction process for the systematic development of mineral resources.

The Koot-Kapran limestone block is located in Koot and Kapran villages of Dooru Tehsil in Anantnag district. The Block covers 22.43 hectares and has estimated limestone resources of 4.75 million tonnes. The block has been explored up to the G-4 stage, providing scope for further detailed exploration and development.

The Wantrag Limestone Block covers 5.36 hectares and has estimated limestone resources of 10.853 million tonnes. The block has been explored up to the G-3 stage, including 159 metres of drilling, providing an important geological basis for further exploration and development.

“The auction of the two limestone blocks is expected to catalyse new investment and economic activity in the union Territory. As mining and associated activities develop, they are expected to generate a large number of direct and indirect employment opportunities and create avenues for local businesses, entrepreneurs, service providers and allied industries,” the PIB statement said.

The development of the mineral sector will also contribute to greater value creation from J&K ‘s mineral resources and support new opportunities for local participation in the emerging mining ecosystem. This marks another step towards strengthening the economic foundations of a Viksit J&K, it added. (UNI)