Mines Secretary Reviews Mineral Block Auctions and Reform Measures

New Delhi, May 26 (KNN) Union Mines Secretary Piyush Goyal chaired the ninth monthly review meeting with senior ministry officials and Category-A mineral-bearing states to assess progress in mineral block auctions and operationalisation across the country.

The meeting focused on accelerating mining sector reforms, increasing domestic mineral production and ensuring timely operationalisation of auctioned mineral blocks.

According to the ministry, 108 mineral blocks were auctioned between FY2015-16 and FY2020-21 following the introduction of the auction regime in 2015.

The pace increased significantly thereafter, with 364 mineral blocks auctioned between FY2021-22 and FY2024-25, averaging around 90 blocks annually.

In FY2025-26, a record 212 mineral blocks have been auctioned so far, marking the highest number of auctions conducted in a single financial year since the launch of the auction regime.

This includes 22 critical and strategic mineral blocks linked to sectors such as clean energy and advanced manufacturing.

The ministry also reviewed the operationalisation status of auctioned blocks. During FY2025-26, 36 mineral blocks, including 28 greenfield and eight brownfield blocks, have been operationalised.

In comparison, 58 blocks, comprising 20 greenfield and 38 brownfield blocks, were operationalised during the entire period from FY2015-16 to FY2024-25.

During the meeting, the Mines Secretary stressed the need for coordination between the Centre and states to expedite statutory clearances, facilitate commencement of mining operations and improve production from auctioned blocks.

He also highlighted the importance of critical mineral development for mineral security and the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative

(KNN Bureau)