India has recorded its highest-ever number of mineral block auctions in a single financial year, with 212 blocks successfully auctioned in FY 2025-26, including 22 critical and strategic mineral blocks, the Ministry of Mines said on Monday.
The progress was reviewed during the 9th monthly meeting chaired by Mines Secretary Piyush Goyal with senior ministry officials and Category-A mineral-bearing states. The meeting focused on speeding up mining reforms, boosting domestic mineral production and ensuring faster operationalisation of auctioned blocks.
According to the Ministry, the pace of mineral block auctions has accelerated significantly in recent years. Between FY 2015-16 and FY 2020-21, a total of 108 mineral blocks were auctioned. However, from FY 2021-22 to FY 2024-25, as many as 364 blocks were auctioned, averaging nearly 90 blocks annually.
Officials said the record performance in FY26 reflects the government’s push to strengthen mineral security and secure critical mineral resources required for India’s economic growth and clean energy transition.
The Ministry also reviewed the operationalisation status of auctioned mines. During FY 2025-26, a total of 36 mineral blocks — including 28 greenfield and eight brownfield blocks — have become operational.
In comparison, 58 blocks comprising 20 greenfield and 38 brownfield mines were operationalised during the entire period between FY 2015-16 and FY 2024-25.
During the meeting, Goyal stressed the need for closer coordination between the Centre and states to expedite statutory clearances and ensure early commencement of mining operations. He also underlined the importance of developing critical minerals to achieve the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and strengthen India’s long-term mineral security.
The review meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Mines and representatives from mineral-rich states across the country.
