The government plans to put up another 20-odd critical mineral blocks for auction in the next round by the end of June, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines VL Kantha Rao said on Monday.
Read about CM inaugurates 3 minerals blocks in Kondagoan district and launches NIT for auction of exploration licences. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 introduced new mineral concession as exploration licence for 29 critical and deep-seated minerals. The objective is to fast-track the exploration of critical minerals with the participation of the private sector. The preferred bidder in the auction of exploration licence will be selected through reverse bidding.
The government announced the auctioning of 76 mineral blocks in 2023, with 30 for mining lease and 46 as composite licenses. Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan led in block auctions. Iron Ore and limestone were among the highest auctioned minerals this year.
The Indian government plans to call bids for an additional 100 critical mineral blocks in February 2024, as part of the second round of auctions, according to Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi. Bids have already been invited for 20 critical mineral-bearing blocks. India recently identified 24 minerals as strategic and critical for the country, including graphite, molybdenum, lithium, and platinum group elements.
On Wednesday, the Indian government announced that 11 mineral blocks, supported by the National Mineral Exploration Trust, have been auctioned off. Additionally, six more blocks are currently in the process of being sold. The NMET, established in 2015, aims to enhance regional and detailed mineral exploration efforts in the country.