The Ministry of Mines, Government of India, launched the second tranche of e?auction of limestone blocks in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at promoting transparent and sustainable mineral development in the Union Territory. The Secretary of the Ministry of Mines presided over the launch and outlined recent reforms and amendments intended to simplify processes, strengthen transparency, and improve ease of doing business in the mining sector. He noted that the initiative forms part of broader national objectives including Viksit Bharat, Viksit Jammu and Kashmir, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat through economic growth and employment generation.

A total of 12 limestone blocks across the districts of Anantnag, Rajouri, and Poonch have been placed for auction under the second tranche. The package comprises five blocks offered on first attempt and seven blocks being re?auctioned on second attempt, and the parcels are classified under G3 and G4 stages of the United Nations Framework Classification for resources. The Ministry indicated that the allocation is expected to interest cement and infrastructure firms and to support industrial development in the region.

The auction will be conducted under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015 as amended, reflecting a calibrated approach to optimal utilisation of mineral resources. A technical session featured presentations by Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL), SBI Capital Markets (SBICAPs), and MSTC Limited, which covered geology, auction procedures, and the e?auction portal and online bidding processes. Senior officials described the geological potential of the blocks and explained the tender framework to prospective bidders.

The Ministry stated that sale of tender documents will commence on 18 May 2026 and that a pre?bid conference is scheduled for 5 June 2026, with the last date for purchase of documents on 15 July 2026 and the bid submission deadline on 21 July 2026. Officials encouraged interested parties to examine auction terms and timelines and to register on the MSTC e?auction platform to participate. The Government indicated that the measure is intended to enhance investor participation and confidence while ensuring responsible resource development.