THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, MARCH 19, 2026

India’s mineral sector has reached a landmark achievement in the financial year 2025–26, successfully auctioning 200 mineral blocks—the highest ever in a single year — underscoring the growing strength and transparency of the country’s auction-driven resource allocation framework led by the Ministry of Mines.

The milestone reflects robust coordination between the Union and State Governments, with a well-balanced portfolio comprising 123 Mining Lease (ML) blocks and 77 Composite Licence (CL) blocks, catering to both operational mining and future exploration needs. Adding further momentum, Notices Inviting Tenders for 70 additional blocks are currently underway, indicating that the total tally could climb even higher before the close of the fiscal year.

States played a pivotal role in driving this achievement, with Gujarat leading the chart with 32 blocks, followed closely by Rajasthan with 30 and Tamil Nadu contributing 22 blocks. Notably, Tamil Nadu marked its entry into mineral block auctions for the first time, while Uttarakhand also joined the national framework with the successful auction of its maiden magnesite block, reflecting the widening adoption of reforms across regions.

The auctions spanned a diverse mineral base critical to industrial growth. Limestone dominated with 76 blocks, followed by iron ore with 40 and bauxite with 30, highlighting strong demand from core infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.

A significant highlight of the year has been the auction of 22 critical mineral blocks, reinforcing India’s strategic push towards securing key resources for future technologies and energy transition. Major contributions in this segment came from Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, reflecting a geographically diverse and resource-rich participation.

The Ministry of Mines has credited the achievement to proactive state-level initiatives, improved geological data systems, and streamlined procedures that have strengthened investor confidence. This record milestone not only signals the maturity of India’s mineral auction ecosystem but also reinforces the country’s commitment to building a transparent, efficient, and future-ready framework to support long-term economic growth and industrial expansion.