The Ministry of Mines

May 26, 2026 12:09 PM

India records highest-ever mineral block auctions in FY 2025-26, 22 critical mineral blocks awarded

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...

August 6, 2025 11:35 AM

Govt denies reports of private entities mining atomic minerals offshore

The Ministry of Mines has categorically refuted recent media reports suggesting that private companies have been allowed to explore and mine atomic minerals such as uranium and thorium in India’s offshore regions. Terming the reports as “misleading and factually incorrect,” the Ministry clarified that no such permissions have been granted. The clarification comes in the wake of speculation following the notification of the Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Operating Rights Rules, 2025. Accor...

March 14, 2025 8:12 AM

India’s first exploration licence auction and AI-driven mineral targeting Hackathon launched

The Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with the Goa government on Thursday launched India's first-ever Exploration Licence (EL) auction, marking a significant step toward unlocking the country's critical and deep-seated mineral reserves. Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant jointly presided over the event, which also featured a "Roadshow" for the fifth tranche of critical mineral block auctions. Additionally, they inaugurated the AI Hackathon 2025,...