Maiki South Mining secures nation's inaugural lithium block

26 Jun 2024 CW Team

The Katghora lithium and rare earth elements (REE) block in Chhattisgarh was awarded to Maiki South Mining at an auction premium of 76.05%.

The outcome was revealed at the launch of the fourth round of auctions for critical and strategic minerals.

As per the mines ministry, Maiki South Mining has been identified as the preferred bidder for the Katghora Lithium and rare earth elements (REE) block in Chhattisgarh.

During the launch event for the fourth round of auction for critical and strategic minerals, the names of the preferred bidders for the six blocks auctioned in the first round were announced.

The other bidders for the five blocks included Agrasen Sponge, Kundan Gold Mines, Dalmia Bharat Refractories, and Sagar Stone Industries.

Agrasen Sponge secured two blocks in Odisha, Kundan Gold Mines acquired a graphite mine in the same state, Dalmia Bharat Refractories obtained a graphite block in Tamil Nadu, and Sagar Stone Industries won a phosphorite block in Uttar Pradesh.

Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy, speaking during the function, announced the commencement of the fourth round of auction for critical and strategic minerals, featuring 21 blocks up for sale.

Among these blocks, 11 are new ones located in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Karnataka.

Addressing the audience, Reddy highlighted that the reforms implemented in the mining and mineral sector since 2015 are yielding positive results.

According to the Ministry of Mines' cancellation notice posted on the MSTC website, the auction of 14 critical mineral blocks in the second round was revoked. Five blocks received no bids, while the bids received for the remaining blocks fell short of the minimum requirement of three.

During the launch event, Mines Secretary V L Kantha Rao affirmed that the ministry will ensure the prompt commencement of production from critical minerals.

Maiki South Mining has secured the nation's inaugural lithium block in Chhattisgarh, which was offered for sale, according to an announcement by the government. Simultaneously, the government informed about the cancellation of the auction for 14 critical minerals that were included in the second round of auctions. The Katghora lithium and rare earth elements (REE) block in Chhattisgarh was awarded to Maiki South Mining at an auction premium of 76.05%. The outcome was revealed at the launch of the fourth round of auctions for critical and strategic minerals. As per the mines ministry, Maiki South Mining has been identified as the preferred bidder for the Katghora Lithium and rare earth elements (REE) block in Chhattisgarh. During the launch event for the fourth round of auction for critical and strategic minerals, the names of the preferred bidders for the six blocks auctioned in the first round were announced. The other bidders for the five blocks included Agrasen Sponge, Kundan Gold Mines, Dalmia Bharat Refractories, and Sagar Stone Industries. Agrasen Sponge secured two blocks in Odisha, Kundan Gold Mines acquired a graphite mine in the same state, Dalmia Bharat Refractories obtained a graphite block in Tamil Nadu, and Sagar Stone Industries won a phosphorite block in Uttar Pradesh. Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy, speaking during the function, announced the commencement of the fourth round of auction for critical and strategic minerals, featuring 21 blocks up for sale. Among these blocks, 11 are new ones located in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Karnataka. Addressing the audience, Reddy highlighted that the reforms implemented in the mining and mineral sector since 2015 are yielding positive results. According to the Ministry of Mines' cancellation notice posted on the MSTC website, the auction of 14 critical mineral blocks in the second round was revoked. Five blocks received no bids, while the bids received for the remaining blocks fell short of the minimum requirement of three. During the launch event, Mines Secretary V L Kantha Rao affirmed that the ministry will ensure the prompt commencement of production from critical minerals.

Infrastructure Transport

29 Oct 2025

Railways approves major upgrade for Telangana traction lines

The Ministry of Railways has approved the upgradation of the electric traction system in two crucial railway sections — Medchal–Mudkhed (225 km) and Mahbubnagar–Dhone (184 km). The projects, costing Rs 1.93 billion and Rs 1.23 billion respectively, will enhance the electric traction capacity from 1X25 KV to 2X25 KV. The work includes modifications to circuit breakers and switching stations, along with the installation of additional conductors. These routes serve as vital links between Northern and Southern India via Hyderabad. Once completed, the upgraded system will reduce voltage dro..

Infrastructure Transport

29 Oct 2025

Adani to invest Rs 425 billion more in Maharashtra’s Dighi Port

The Adani Group has committed to invest an additional Rs 425 billion in the Dighi Port project, located along Maharashtra’s coastal Konkan belt, government officials announced on Monday. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ)-run Dighi Ports signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra government to undertake the expansion of the port and related infrastructure. This new commitment comes as part of a broader investment initiative by the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the agreement is among 15 MoUs worth over Rs 560 billion signed during the opening d..

Infrastructure Transport

29 Oct 2025

HUDCO, JNPA sign Rs 50 billion deal for port development

In a strategic move, the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd (HUDCO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) for an investment of Rs 50 billion to revamp and develop port infrastructure. The non-binding agreement is intended to strengthen cooperation on both existing and upcoming infrastructure projects, with a focus on development, financing, and refinancing of port facilities at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port. The MoU was formalised with the signatures of Sanjay Kulshrestha, Chairman and Managing Director of HUDCO, and Unmesh Shar..