Srinagar, May 12 (KNO): Asserting that the Union Government is committed to unlocking Jammu and Kashmir’s mineral potential and accelerating industrial growth in the Union Territory, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Government of India, Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said the Centre has launched the second tranche of e-auction of 12 limestone blocks in the Union Territory to promote transparent, sustainable and investor-friendly mining.
Speaking during the inaugural session of the launch of the second tranche of limestone block auctions in Srinagar, Goyal, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said, “The initiative aims to fast-track mineral development in J&K through a structured auction process, ensuring wider participation, transparency and efficient utilisation of limestone resources across key districts of the Union Territory.”
He said several of the identified blocks possess substantial limestone reserves and are expected to attract strong participation from cement and infrastructure sectors.
“Today, we have started the auction process of the second tranche of 12 limestone blocks in Jammu and Kashmir. Many of these blocks are large and resource-rich. We are hopeful that the process will see strong participation and successful outcomes,” he said.
Goyal said the Government of India is giving special focus to Jammu and Kashmir’s development and has initiated the auction process in coordination with the Union Territory administration to ensure fair participation, transparency and faster mineral-led growth.
“We are briefing bidders about the entire process and all block-related details to ensure transparency and smooth participation,” he added.
The Secretary said the Ministry of Mines has undertaken several reforms and amendments in recent years to simplify procedures, strengthen transparency and improve ease of doing business in the mining sector.
Highlighting national performance, he said India achieved a record 212 mineral blocks auctioned during 2025–26, compared to around 100 blocks annually in earlier years, marking a significant jump in mining reforms and sectoral expansion.
He said operationalisation of mines has also improved significantly. “From 2015 to 2024, only 58 mineral blocks became operational in ten years. But in 2025–26 alone, 36 blocks were operationalised in a year,” he said.
Goyal said that a major shift towards greenfield mining has been recorded. “Out of the earlier 58 operationalised blocks, only 20 were greenfield mining projects. But out of the 36 operationalised this year, 28 are greenfield blocks,” he said.
On production trends, he said India recorded nearly 8 percent growth in limestone and iron ore production, while the overall mining sector registered around 5.5 percent growth, despite global economic uncertainties.
The Secretary also highlighted the Centre’s focus on critical minerals including lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite and vanadium, calling them essential for green energy transition and strategic sectors.
“In the last two years, 46 auctions of critical mineral blocks have been conducted successfully and 19 blocks are currently under auction,” he said.
On environmental safeguards, he said sustainable mining remains a top priority and stressed that environmental clearance norms must be strictly followed.
“There is no question of environmental degradation. Environmental clearance conditions must be followed in letter and spirit,” he said.
He said the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) has introduced a star-rating system to promote sustainable mining practices.
“A minimum three-star rating is mandatory for mines. If a mine fails to achieve it within three years, it faces closure. We are encouraging mines to move towards five-star and seven-star standards,” he added.
Addressing concerns over illegal mining, he stressed the need for technology-driven monitoring systems. “If technology is properly used, illegal mining can be controlled completely,” he said.
He cited deployment of drone surveys, RFID-based gate passes and real-time XRF-based mineral analysis systems as key tools being used to curb illegal extraction and improve transparency.
Officials informed that the 12 limestone blocks are spread across Anantnag, Rajouri and Poonch districts, including both newly identified and second-attempt blocks under Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015.
The first-attempt category includes Kalindange, Naubug-Halan and Sop blocks in Anantnag, besides Dharamora and Faislabad in Poonch.
The second-attempt category includes Dooru Shahabad, Koot-Kapran and Wantrag in Anantnag, Rajpura in Poonch, and Darhal-Chittibatti, Khablian-Bharot-Danna and Lah Limestone Block-E in Rajouri.
Officials said the blocks fall under G3 and G4 UNFC stages and are expected to attract strong industrial interest.
The auction is being conducted under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) and Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015 (as amended).
During the technical session, presentations were delivered by MECL, SBICAPs and MSTC on geological potential, auction framework and e-bidding process.
Meanwhile, officials said the sale of tender documents will commence from May 18, 2026, pre-bid conference will be held on June 05, last date for purchase is July 15 and bid submission closes on July 21, 2026—(KNO)