Govt Operationalises 101 Auctioned Mineral Blocks Since 2015 Amid Mining Reforms Push

The Ministry of MInes has operationalised 101 auctioned mineral blocks since the launch of the auction regime in 2015, marking a major milestone in the country’s mining sector reforms.

The achievement comes as India accelerates efforts to strengthen domestic mineral production, improve raw material security for key industries, and reduce dependence on imports under the government’s Viksit Bharat 2047 and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

The ministry said that FY2025-26 recorded the highest-ever annual performance under the auction regime, with 212 mineral blocks auctioned during the financial year. The government attributed the progress to policy reforms, streamlined procedures, and closer coordination with state governments to speed up approvals and operational clearances.

According to the ministry, the transition of auctioned mines from allocation to production has been expedited through continuous monitoring and faster statutory clearances.

Among states, Odisha has operationalised the highest number of auctioned blocks at 34, followed by Karnataka with 18 and Gujarat with 11. Madhya Pradesh has operationalized 10 blocks, Rajasthan eight, Goa six, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh five each, Maharashtra three, and Assam one.

The ministry highlighted Assam’s performance, noting that the state operationalized its mineral block within nine months of issuing the Letter of Intent (LoI).

Iron ore accounts for the largest share of operationalised blocks at 47, followed by limestone with 29 blocks. Other operational minerals include bauxite, manganese ore, chromite, and associated minerals that support sectors such as steel, cement, aluminium, and infrastructure.

The Ministry of Mines said that the operationalisation of these blocks reflects the strengthening of India’s transparent and competitive mineral allocation framework and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a sustainable and efficient mining sector.