Government initiates e-auction for 7 vital mineral blocks

02 Apr 2024 CW Team

The Ministry of Mines has announced that May 16 will be the final day for the sale of tender documents for participating in the e-auction of seven critical mineral blocks under the tranche III round. It was also specified that the deadline for submitting the documents would be May 21.

It was clarified by the Ministry that these seven blocks were part of the 11 blocks from a previous auction that was canceled due to having less than three Technically Qualified Bidders (TQB).

Moreover, the e-auction process for 18 blocks under tranche II is currently underway. The closing date for the sale of Tender Document is set for May 10, 2024, and the deadline for submitting bids is May 15.

Furthermore, it was stated by the ministry that the second round of e-auctions for six blocks has been successfully concluded as per schedule. A decision regarding the Kundol Nickel and Chromium Block of Gujurat will be made by the designated officer at the appropriate time.

Critical minerals, including lithium, chromium, nickel, graphite, cobalt, titanium, and rare earth elements (REE), are crucial for India's economic progress and national security. At present, the extraction of these minerals is largely controlled by a few countries, notably China, which renders the supply chain susceptible to geopolitical uncertainties.

These critical minerals are indispensable for various sectors such as electronics, electric vehicles, renewable energy, defense, high-tech telecommunications, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and the establishment of gigafactories. The demand for these minerals is significant and is primarily met through imports.

Infrastructure Urban

07 Oct 2025

India To Invest $37 Billion To Boost Petrochemical Capacity

India is set to become a major global player in the petrochemicals industry, driven by a planned capital expenditure of $37 billion (Rs 3.1 trillion) aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing self-sufficiency, according to S&P Global Ratings.In its latest report titled “First China, Now India: Self-Sufficiency Goals Will Add To Petrochemicals Supply”, S&P said India’s large-scale capacity expansion—mirroring China’s earlier push—will likely intensify oversupply pressures in Asia’s petrochemical markets.Currently the world’s third-largest petrochemical consumer a..

Indian Railways Expands Global Exports Of Rail Equipment

Indian Railways has announced that it is rapidly emerging as a global exporter of railway equipment, including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, under the government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative.According to an official statement, India’s railway products are now reaching over 16 international markets, reflecting the country’s growing capacity to design, develop, and deliver world-class rail solutions.Metro coaches have been exported to Australia and Canada; bogies to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia; propulsion systems t..

RailTel Awards Rs 163 Million Contract To RTNS Technology

RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking, has awarded a domestic work order worth Rs 163 million to RTNS Technology Private Limited.The contract, issued on 30 September 2025, involves the supply and installation of equipment and related services for one of RailTel’s key customers. The project underscores RailTel’s commitment to advancing technology and communication infrastructure through collaboration with domestic system integrators.RTNS Technology Private Limited, an ISO-certified system integrator, provides comprehensive solutions for perim..