Centre To Launch Bid For 19 Critical Mineral Blocks

27 Mar 2026 CW Team

The Centre will launch the seventh tranche of auctions for critical and strategic minerals, offering 19 blocks across several states, the Ministry of Mines (Mines Ministry) said.

The launch will be presided over by Union Minister G Kishan Reddy with Minister of State Satish Chandra Dubey formally inaugurating the round. The Mines Ministry said the move forms part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen domestic supply chains for resources critical to emerging industries.

This tranche follows six earlier rounds in which 46 critical and strategic mineral blocks were sold, the Mines Ministry said, adding that the latest offering will be available under mining lease and composite licence arrangements. The Mines Ministry framed the auction as building on prior momentum and as an instrument to attract investment and operational capacity into the mineral sector. Officials indicated that the auctions aim to provide clarity to investors on resource availability and regulatory processes.

The initiative assumes importance as the government seeks to enhance self-reliance in clean energy, advanced technologies, fertilisers and strategic sectors amid global supply chain disruptions. Securing domestic access to key inputs has been identified as essential to reduce import dependence and to support manufacturing and research efforts. Analysts expect that improving supply security for critical inputs will also bolster downstream industries and technology adoption.

Critical minerals identified for focus include lithium, graphite, rare earth elements, tungsten and titanium, which are central to energy transition and high technology applications. The Mines Ministry noted that the limited global concentration of these minerals creates supply risks that can affect production of batteries, electronics and specialised alloys. Ensuring domestic resource development was presented as a strategic priority.

The Mines Ministry will also host the National District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Summit 2026 over two days to discuss mining linked development and welfare, reflecting attention to local benefits from mineral activity. The auction round was described as a key step in securing steady access to critical resources as India accelerates its transition to a technology driven and energy secure economy.

The Centre will launch the seventh tranche of auctions for critical and strategic minerals, offering 19 blocks across several states, the Ministry of Mines (Mines Ministry) said. The launch will be presided over by Union Minister G Kishan Reddy with Minister of State Satish Chandra Dubey formally inaugurating the round. The Mines Ministry said the move forms part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen domestic supply chains for resources critical to emerging industries. This tranche follows six earlier rounds in which 46 critical and strategic mineral blocks were sold, the Mines Ministry said, adding that the latest offering will be available under mining lease and composite licence arrangements. The Mines Ministry framed the auction as building on prior momentum and as an instrument to attract investment and operational capacity into the mineral sector. Officials indicated that the auctions aim to provide clarity to investors on resource availability and regulatory processes. The initiative assumes importance as the government seeks to enhance self-reliance in clean energy, advanced technologies, fertilisers and strategic sectors amid global supply chain disruptions. Securing domestic access to key inputs has been identified as essential to reduce import dependence and to support manufacturing and research efforts. Analysts expect that improving supply security for critical inputs will also bolster downstream industries and technology adoption. Critical minerals identified for focus include lithium, graphite, rare earth elements, tungsten and titanium, which are central to energy transition and high technology applications. The Mines Ministry noted that the limited global concentration of these minerals creates supply risks that can affect production of batteries, electronics and specialised alloys. Ensuring domestic resource development was presented as a strategic priority. The Mines Ministry will also host the National District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Summit 2026 over two days to discuss mining linked development and welfare, reflecting attention to local benefits from mineral activity. The auction round was described as a key step in securing steady access to critical resources as India accelerates its transition to a technology driven and energy secure economy.

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