The Ministry of Mines said that in FY 2025-26, the mineral sector of India reached a new high point with the successful sale of 200 mineral blocks, the most ever in a single year.
Limestone topped the mineral auctions with 76 blocks, followed by iron ore with 40 blocks, and bauxite with 30 blocks, indicating significant demand from key industrial sectors. The auctions covered a broad mix of minerals. The auctioning off of 22 strategically important mineral blocks demonstrates the government’s determination to ensure the continued availability of resources in the future.
Government involvement was crucial; the state of Gujarat has the most blocks with 32, followed by Rajasthan with 30, and Tamil Nadu with 22. State governments in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra also played significant roles.
A balanced pipeline of operating and exploratory prospects was reflected in the overall number of auctions, with 123 blocks being Mining Lease (ML) and 77 blocks being Composite Licence (CL). The fact that 70 additional blocks have tenders pending shows that the sector is still going strong.
The ministry emphasised that the auction-based allocation mechanism has been enhanced by the states’ proactive efforts in block preparation, data management, and administrative efficiency. Important landmarks included the first mineral block auctions in Tamil Nadu and the addition of the first magnesite block from Uttarakhand to the framework.
The record auctions show that India’s mineral allocation system is becoming better, which is good news for resource security and industrial growth because it means the system is more open and efficient.
