India’s mineral sector has reached a historic milestone in the financial year 2025–26, with the successful auction of 200 mineral blocks – the highest ever in a single year, said the Ministry of Mines.
The achievement underscores the growing strength of India’s auction-based mineral allocation system and reflects close coordination between the Centre and state governments.
Of the total blocks auctioned, 123 are Mining Lease (ML) blocks, while 77 are Composite Licence (CL) blocks, indicating a balanced approach between operational mining and future exploration. Additionally, tenders have already been issued for 70 more blocks – including 38 ML and 32 CL – which could further raise the total count.
State governments played a key role in driving the record auctions. Gujarat topped the list with 32 blocks, followed by Rajasthan with 30 and Tamil Nadu with 22. Officials noted that improvements in data management, timely block preparation, and streamlined procedures contributed significantly to the outcome.
Tamil Nadu marked a major milestone by conducting mineral block auctions for the first time, while Uttarakhand also entered the framework with the successful auction of its first magnesite block.
The auctions covered a diverse range of minerals. Limestone dominated with 76 blocks, followed by iron ore with 40 blocks and bauxite with 30 blocks — highlighting their importance for core industrial sectors such as cement, steel, and aluminium.
A notable feature of the year was the auction of 22 critical mineral blocks, reflecting India’s increasing focus on securing strategic resources for long-term economic and industrial growth. Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Karnataka, and Maharashtra were key contributors in this category.
The Ministry said the milestone reinforces India’s commitment to a transparent and efficient mineral allocation system, aimed at boosting investment, enhancing resource security, and supporting sustained economic growth.
