Madhya Pradesh invites tenders for auctioning 51 mineral blocks

17 Jul 2023 CW Team

The 51 blocks up for auction consist of 14 minerals and metals, including vital strategic minerals such as graphite, vanadium, platinum, and copper. Additionally, prominent minerals and metals like gold, diamond, manganese, bauxite, limestone, iron ore, phosphorite, laterite, and base metal will also be included in the auction.

Since the implementation of the auction regime in 2015, several major mineral-rich states have put forth a total of 754 blocks for bidding. Out of these, 276 blocks have been successfully auctioned, as announced by the Ministry of Mines in a statement released on Friday.

Among the 51 mineral blocks for which the NIT has been issued by Madhya Pradesh, 13 are designated for mining leases, while 38 blocks are reserved for composite licenses, according to the Ministry.

Data from the Ministry of Mines reveals that the highest number of auctions concluded in the financial year 2022-23 (FY23), totalling 105 auctions. Conversely, FY16 witnessed the lowest number of concluded auctions, with a mere six. As of now, a total of 15 auctions have been concluded in FY24.

Madhya Pradesh, renowned for its abundant mineral wealth, boasts vast reserves of various minerals, including coal, limestone, bauxite, and others. Since 2015, Madhya Pradesh has successfully auctioned a total of 46 blocks, positioning it as the second-highest state in terms of auctions conducted. Odisha leads the country with the auction of 48 blocks.

The Ministry's data reveals that blocks have been made available for auction in 13 states, namely Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Goa. However, states such as Bihar, West Bengal, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Kerala have yet to conduct any block auctions since 2015.

Since 2015, auctions have taken place in 15 categories, with the highest number of auctions being for iron ore (94, including 2 re-auctions). Other significant categories include limestone (77), bauxite (28), and manganese (26), respectively.

In an effort to enhance India's self-reliance in strategic resources, the government of Madhya Pradesh has issued a notice inviting tenders (NIT) for the auction of 51 mineral blocks. This landmark auction, expected to be the state's largest ever, encompasses the allocation of crucial strategic minerals, signifying a significant milestone in India's pursuit of mineral security.The 51 blocks up for auction consist of 14 minerals and metals, including vital strategic minerals such as graphite, vanadium, platinum, and copper. Additionally, prominent minerals and metals like gold, diamond, manganese, bauxite, limestone, iron ore, phosphorite, laterite, and base metal will also be included in the auction.Since the implementation of the auction regime in 2015, several major mineral-rich states have put forth a total of 754 blocks for bidding. Out of these, 276 blocks have been successfully auctioned, as announced by the Ministry of Mines in a statement released on Friday.Among the 51 mineral blocks for which the NIT has been issued by Madhya Pradesh, 13 are designated for mining leases, while 38 blocks are reserved for composite licenses, according to the Ministry.Data from the Ministry of Mines reveals that the highest number of auctions concluded in the financial year 2022-23 (FY23), totalling 105 auctions. Conversely, FY16 witnessed the lowest number of concluded auctions, with a mere six. As of now, a total of 15 auctions have been concluded in FY24.Madhya Pradesh, renowned for its abundant mineral wealth, boasts vast reserves of various minerals, including coal, limestone, bauxite, and others. Since 2015, Madhya Pradesh has successfully auctioned a total of 46 blocks, positioning it as the second-highest state in terms of auctions conducted. Odisha leads the country with the auction of 48 blocks.The Ministry's data reveals that blocks have been made available for auction in 13 states, namely Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Goa. However, states such as Bihar, West Bengal, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Kerala have yet to conduct any block auctions since 2015.Since 2015, auctions have taken place in 15 categories, with the highest number of auctions being for iron ore (94, including 2 re-auctions). Other significant categories include limestone (77), bauxite (28), and manganese (26), respectively.

Infrastructure Transport

05 Feb 2026

MMRDA Installs 325-Tonne Steel Spans on Mumbai Metro Line 4

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has achieved a key construction milestone on Metro Line 4 with the successful installation of three large steel spans at Bhandup West during overnight operations.The spans, together weighing 325 metric tonnes, were launched using eight heavy-duty cranes and 12 multi-axle vehicles. The operation required precise engineering and meticulous planning to minimise disruption in the densely populated suburban area.Due to effective inter-agency coordination, the work—originally scheduled across four nights—was completed within just two n..

Infrastructure Transport

05 Feb 2026

CMRL Targets March 2027 Opening for Vadapalani–Panagal Park

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is progressing as scheduled to open the Vadapalani–Panagal Park section of Phase II’s Corridor 4 by March 2027. The 3.5 km underground stretch is part of the 26.1 km Corridor 4 connecting Lighthouse with Poonamallee Bypass.Construction activities are advancing steadily, with tunnelling works between Vadapalani and Panagal Park already completed. Track-laying operations are expected to commence shortly. At Panagal Park station, structural works have reached the concourse and platform levels, while excavation continues at the lowest level.CMRL is also consid..

Infrastructure Transport

05 Feb 2026

Maha-Metro Invites Pune Metro Civil Maintenance Bids

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) has invited bids for the annual civil maintenance contract of the Pune Metro Rail Project. The tender, bearing ID and number P1-O&M-20/2025, is scheduled to close on 23 February 2026, with a pre-bid meeting slated for 10 February 2026. The earnest money deposit (EMD) for the contract is Rs 3,50,500, and the duration of the contract is one year.The scope of work includes annual civil maintenance of 28 elevated and underground stations, 28.079 km of elevated viaduct including steel bridges, 12.15 km of tunnels, and two depots under the ..