Centre Successfully Auctions 56 Critical Mineral Blocks; Expands Exploration to New States
New Delhi, June 23 (TNT): The Ministry of Mines has successfully auctioned 56 critical and strategic mineral blocks so far, marking a significant step towards strengthening India’s mineral security, reducing import dependence and advancing the National Critical Mineral Mission.
The latest achievement comes with the successful auction of 10 critical and strategic mineral blocks under the Seventh Tranche of auctions conducted by the Central Government.
According to the Ministry, 56 out of 88 unique mineral blocks offered for auction have been successfully awarded, translating into a success rate of over 63 per cent.
The Seventh Tranche marked a major expansion in India’s critical mineral exploration landscape, with critical mineral blocks in Gujarat, Uttarakhand and Telangana being auctioned by the Centre for the first time.
The tranche comprised minerals such as graphite, rare earth elements (REE), vanadium, titanium, glauconite, rock phosphate and associated minerals.
The auction process was launched through a Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) issued on March 23, 2026, offering 19 mineral blocks under the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015.
In another key development, the Ministry successfully completed the Second Tranche of Exploration Licence (EL) auctions aimed at strengthening the country’s exploration ecosystem.
The latest tranche expanded the Exploration Licence framework to Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha for the first time, opening new avenues for exploration of critical and deep-seated minerals.
With the completion of the second tranche, the cumulative number of Exploration Licence blocks successfully auctioned by the Centre has reached 11 since the introduction of the EL auction regime.
The Ministry said the strong response to both critical mineral and Exploration Licence auctions reflects growing investor confidence in India’s mining sector and the positive impact of reforms aimed at promoting systematic exploration and attracting private investment.
The auctions are expected to accelerate the exploration and development of minerals critical to clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, advanced manufacturing, electronics and defence sectors.
The Ministry said the successful completion of the auction tranches reinforces the Government’s commitment to building a robust domestic supply chain for critical minerals, encouraging private sector participation and supporting India’s long-term strategic and economic objectives.
The Ministry also acknowledged the support of State Governments, technical agencies, participating bidders and other stakeholders in ensuring the success of the auction programme.
TNT KS
