India Achieves Record 200 Mineral Block Auctions in FY 2025–26

March 19, 2026

New Delhi: India’s mineral sector achieved a major milestone with the successful auction of 200 mineral blocks in FY 2025–26, the highest number ever in a single year. This information was given in a statement issued by the Ministry of Mines on Thursday.

The auction included a variety of minerals. 76 limestone blocks were the most auctioned, followed by 40 iron ore and 30 bauxite blocks.

This year’s auction of 22 critical mineral blocks was also significant, considered crucial for the country’s long-term resource security.

States play a key role
According to the statement, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Karnataka, and Maharashtra contributed significantly to the number of blocks offered, with five, four, four, three, and two blocks, respectively.

Of the total 200 auctioned blocks, 123 are mining lease (ML) and 77 are composite license (CL) blocks, representing a balance of both operational and exploration opportunities.

The tender process for 70 more mineral blocks (38 ML and 32 CL) is ongoing, which is expected to further increase the number of auctions this year.

Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu lead
The joint efforts of the central and state governments played a key role in this achievement, reflecting the country’s transparent and robust mineral auction system.

According to the Ministry of Mines, Gujarat led with 32 blocks, while Rajasthan contributed significantly with 30 and Tamil Nadu with 22 blocks.

Tamil Nadu successfully auctioned mineral blocks for the first time, while Uttarakhand also entered the process by auctioning its first magnesite block.

The Ministry stated that this record was made possible by the proactive efforts, policy support, and administrative efficiency of the states.

This achievement reinforces India’s commitment to a transparent, effective, and future-ready mineral allocation system.