THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, MAY 7, 2026

India’s mining sector has crossed a major milestone with the operationalization of 101 auctioned mineral blocks since the launch of the auction regime in 2015, marking a transformative phase in the country’s mineral governance and resource security framework.

The achievement reflects the growing success of the Ministry of Mines’ reform-driven approach aimed at building a transparent, competitive and sustainable mineral allocation system aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

The Ministry said the milestone demonstrates not only the success of mineral block auctions but also the government’s sustained efforts to ensure timely transition of auctioned blocks into actual production. Through close coordination with State Governments, streamlined procedures, active monitoring, and faster statutory clearances, the Centre has accelerated the operationalization of key mining assets across the country.

India’s mineral auction regime has witnessed unprecedented growth over the past decade, culminating in a record-breaking performance in FY 2025–26 when 212 mineral blocks were auctioned in a single financial year — the highest-ever annual figure since the reforms began. The Ministry described this as a reflection of the increasing efficiency, credibility and investor confidence in India’s transparent mineral allocation framework.

The operationalized mineral blocks are expected to significantly strengthen domestic mineral production, improve raw material security for core industries, reduce import dependence and support the country’s broader industrial and infrastructure growth.

Among the states, Odisha has emerged as the top performer with 34 operationalized mineral blocks, reaffirming its position as India’s mining powerhouse. Karnataka follows with 18 operationalized blocks, while Gujarat has brought 11 blocks into production. Other contributing states include Madhya Pradesh with 10 blocks, Rajasthan with 8, Goa with 6, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh with 5 each, Maharashtra with 3, and Assam with 1 block.

The Ministry particularly highlighted Assam’s achievement in operationalizing its mineral block within just nine months of issuance of the Letter of Intent (LoI), showcasing administrative efficiency and effective Centre-State coordination.

The operationalized blocks span a wide range of strategically important minerals critical for industrial development and manufacturing growth. Iron ore dominates the list with 47 operationalized blocks, followed by 29 limestone blocks. The portfolio also includes bauxite, manganese ore, chromite and other associated minerals that serve key sectors such as steel, cement, aluminium and infrastructure.

Calling the development a major step in strengthening India’s mining governance ecosystem, the Ministry of Mines commended State Governments for their proactive policy support and administrative efficiency in fast-tracking mining operations.

The successful operationalization of 101 auctioned mineral blocks, the Ministry noted, reinforces the government’s commitment to creating a transparent, efficient and sustainable mineral sector capable of ensuring long-term resource security while contributing significantly to India’s economic growth trajectory.