Government to initiate auction process for vital mineral blocks this year

04 Sep 2023 CW Team

According to Vivek Bharadwaj, Mines Secretary, the mineral blocks encompass a range of minerals such as nickel, lithium, cobalt, platinum, and also rare earths.

Bharadwaj stated, "The legal framework has been established, and the blocks have been identified." He also mentioned that the tender for bids is anticipated to be released by December, and the auctions could possibly commence three months later.

India is striving to guarantee the security of critical minerals to bolster its objective of positioning the country as a prominent centre for manufacturing batteries and electric vehicles. This endeavour aligns with their aspiration to achieve a net-zero target. Currently, India does not domestically extract crucial materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel.

In order to encourage participation from both global and local mining entities in this process, the government is devising a plan to reimburse half of the exploration costs, as shared by Bharadwaj. He indicated that it might take companies at least three years to operationalise the mines.

In a recent development, India revised its mining regulations, granting permission to private mining companies to explore certain critical minerals like lithium. This alteration will play a pivotal role in the auction of lithium blocks that have been recently identified in the regions of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Karnataka.

Several state-owned enterprises have been actively seeking such resources on a global scale. Notable energy companies like Coal India and NTPC are strategising their approaches for mineral extraction. Additionally, Khanij Bidesh India, a collaborative initiative involving three government-owned corporations, has been established with the purpose of acquiring critical mineral assets abroad, particularly in Australia and South America.

Also read:
SECL signs agreement for maiden open-cast mining
Power Mech Projects wins dual contracts for O&M, Sand Mining Ventures

India is getting ready to initiate the auction process for around 100 critical mineral blocks within the next four months. This move is a part of their strategy to secure local sources of the necessary raw materials for supporting the transition towards green energy. According to Vivek Bharadwaj, Mines Secretary, the mineral blocks encompass a range of minerals such as nickel, lithium, cobalt, platinum, and also rare earths. Bharadwaj stated, The legal framework has been established, and the blocks have been identified. He also mentioned that the tender for bids is anticipated to be released by December, and the auctions could possibly commence three months later. India is striving to guarantee the security of critical minerals to bolster its objective of positioning the country as a prominent centre for manufacturing batteries and electric vehicles. This endeavour aligns with their aspiration to achieve a net-zero target. Currently, India does not domestically extract crucial materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. In order to encourage participation from both global and local mining entities in this process, the government is devising a plan to reimburse half of the exploration costs, as shared by Bharadwaj. He indicated that it might take companies at least three years to operationalise the mines. In a recent development, India revised its mining regulations, granting permission to private mining companies to explore certain critical minerals like lithium. This alteration will play a pivotal role in the auction of lithium blocks that have been recently identified in the regions of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Karnataka. Several state-owned enterprises have been actively seeking such resources on a global scale. Notable energy companies like Coal India and NTPC are strategising their approaches for mineral extraction. Additionally, Khanij Bidesh India, a collaborative initiative involving three government-owned corporations, has been established with the purpose of acquiring critical mineral assets abroad, particularly in Australia and South America. Also read: SECL signs agreement for maiden open-cast mining Power Mech Projects wins dual contracts for O&M, Sand Mining Ventures

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..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Oct 2025

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..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Oct 2025

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..