119 mining blocks auctioned last year alone, says Union Minister of Coal & Mines

New Delhi, June 23, 2025 – The country’s mining sector is undergoing critical transformation as over 500 mineral blocks have been auctioned since the inception of a transparent auction regime, of which 119 were auctioned in the last year alone, Union Minister of Coal & Mines G Kishan Reddy stated. As part of the reform update published by the government, with the efforts of the Mining sector, India’s dependence on imports (minerals) has gone down. With critical breakouts like the first-ever potash block, India is moving closer to complete food security and making the most of the country’s wide mineral resources.

The reforms, rooted in amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act between 2015 and 2023, have laid a foundation for a globally competitive, investor-friendly environment. A key highlight is the Centre-State collaboration that has yielded revenues of approximately ₹4 lakh crore to states via auction premiums and royalties. The Ministry of Mines also underlined crucial outcomes such as increased predictability in demand and supply of minerals and enhancing local ecosystem for extraction, processing, and supply of minerals.

Key Reforms & Financial Milestones

Regulatory and Structural Advancements

• Introduction of a 50-year lease regime and removal of renewal bottlenecks.
• Launch of Exploration Licence Regime encouraging MSME and start-up participation.
• Deployment of the National Mineral Exploration Trust and Mining Tenement System for predictable and faceless governance.
• First-ever offshore mining and potash block auction to reduce import dependency.
• Active support for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements via the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM).

Technological and Policy Push

Strategic Vision: Viksit Bharat and Global Role

The Indian government aims to boost self-reliance and accelerate toward a “Viksit Bharat,” placing mining at the core of future industrial growth. Establishing centres for excellence in mineral research and backing startups mark a major shift in domestic R&D capability. With KABIL acquiring lithium mines in Argentina and scouting globally, India is also securing a seat in the international mineral supply chain.

“India’s rise in the mining space is powered by a holistic blend of Centre-State collaboration, technological foresight, and private sector partnership,” the Minister noted, stressing faster mine operationalisation and handholding of investors at every stage. Due to the transparent auctions, state governments have earned more than ₹4 Lakh Crore in the past decade.

About the Ministry of Mines

The Ministry of Mines is responsible for surveying and exploring all minerals (excluding natural gas and petroleum), mining regulation, and policy formulation. It oversees key initiatives to improve transparency, sustainability, and technological adoption across India’s mining value chain.

REF: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2138829

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