Jammu and Kashmir fails to get lithium block bids for the second time

04 Jul 2024 CW Team

India's Jammu and Kashmir has faced another setback in its efforts to auction mining rights for newly discovered lithium reserves, estimated at 5.9 million metric tons. Despite a second attempt to attract bids, no offers were received, indicating on-going challenges in developing these critical mineral resources.

Initially discovered in February 2023, these lithium reserves were first put up for auction in November, but the required minimum of three bids was not met. The block was re-auctioned in March with a deadline of May 14, but still failed to attract interest.

A source, speaking anonymously, mentioned that the block might now be handed over to a government agency for further exploration. This development comes as India focuses on securing critical minerals essential for electric vehicle batteries, both domestically and overseas.

The lack of interest has raised questions about the composition of the lithium deposit in Jammu and Kashmir. Last year, the Indian government identified 30 minerals, including lithium, nickel, titanium, vanadium, and tungsten, as crucial for its clean energy initiatives.

(Source: ET)

Infrastructure Transport

01 Jun 2026

MMRDA advances 250 m on Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed 250 m of underground tunnelling for the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Urban Road Tunnel using India’s largest slurry shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) deployed for an urban road project.The project involves twin tunnels extending over 7 km beneath critical transport corridors, including Central Railway, Western Railway and Metro Line 3. The work requires high-precision engineering to navigate densely developed urban infrastructure.Once completed, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marin..

Hindustan Zinc Pays Rs 188.46 Billion in FY26

Hindustan Zinc contributed Rs 188.46 billion to the public exchequer in FY 2025-26, according to its 9th Tax Transparency Report. The contribution, equivalent to 46 per cent of the company’s revenue, included direct and indirect taxes, government royalties, dividends to the Government of India, withholding taxes and other statutory levies.The company’s five-year cumulative contribution to the exchequer stood at Rs 915.72 billion. In FY26, Hindustan Zinc reported revenue of Rs 408.44 billion, EBITDA of Rs 221.62 billion and profit after tax of Rs 138.32 billion. It also achieved its highest..

World of Concrete India 2026 Opens in Mumbai

Informa Markets in India will host the 12th edition of World of Concrete India 2026 from 3–5 June 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The specialised B2B exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, developers, architects, consultants, infrastructure companies, project leaders and government stakeholders.The event is expected to feature over 350 brands and more than 18,000 trade professionals. It will cover concrete and cement, dry mortar, precast technologies, formwork, construction chemicals, industrial and commercial flooring, scaffolding, safety solutio..