Jammu and Kashmir holds nearly one billion tonnes of limestone reserves, according to the Geological Survey of India (GSI), signalling significant potential for expanding the Union Territory’s mineral-based industries. Additional Secretary in the Union Ministry of Mines, Sanjay Lohiya, said the UT also possesses notable reserves of other key minerals that the government aims to explore for regional benefit. Lohiya was speaking at the launch of J&K’s first-ever limestone block e-auction and roadshow in Jammu, marking the UT’s entry into India’s mineral block auction ecosystem. Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary jointly launched the e-auction process for seven limestone blocks spanning 314 hectares across Anantnag, Rajouri and Poonch districts. He noted that while other states have successfully auctioned nearly 600 mineral blocks since the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act was amended in 2015, J&K had lagged behind due to inexperience. The Centre is therefore assisting with the first round of auctions. Lohiya emphasised that local cement production would help address high transport costs. “The GSI has estimated almost one billion tonnes of limestone reserves in J&K. More blocks will be auctioned in the second round, leading to a drastic change in the mining scenario,” he said. He added that mining boosts employment, industrial growth and government revenue. The GSI has also identified deposits of lithium, copper, titanium, iron, coal and gold in J&K, though the economic viability of these resources is still being assessed. Additional Chief Secretary of the J&K Mining Department, Anil Kumar Singh, said the e-auction of seven limestone blocks is expected to generate around Rs 5 billion for the UT. He said 24 more landform blocks are being prepared for auction by March next year, with an estimated revenue potential of Rs 15 billion. Singh highlighted new reforms including the Integrated Mining Surveillance System (IMSS), which uses satellite imaging to curb illegal mining. Advanced technologies are also undergoing trial runs, with full implementation expected by January 2026. A mobile app will soon allow citizens to report violations directly. The mining department is also progressing on exploration of critical minerals such as lithium and sapphire, which are slated for pre-auction in the next financial year. Scientific studies are under way for graphite, granite, copper, metals and shallow gas extraction. He thanked the Ministry of Mines for recommending financial support of Rs 1 billion for command-and-control centres, rapid response systems and measures to ensure safe, scientific and sustainable mining. Singh added that a Mineral Exploration Trust is in the final stages of formation, aimed at promoting environmentally responsible mineral development.