**Executive Summary**
The Ministry of Mines has achieved a milestone with the operationalization of 101 mineral blocks auctioned since the introduction of the auction regime in 2015. Notably, FY 2025–26 saw a record performance with 212 mineral blocks auctioned in a single year. These developments aim to strengthen raw material security, reduce import dependence, and support India’s vision of *Viksit Bharat 2047*.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Auction and Operationalization Progress**
* A total of 101 auctioned mineral blocks have been successfully transitioned into production since 2015.
* FY 2025–26 recorded the highest-ever annual performance with 212 blocks auctioned.
* The transition from allocation to production has been accelerated through procedural streamlining and active monitoring by the Ministry.
**State-wise Performance**
* Odisha leads the country with 34 operationalized blocks, followed by Karnataka (18) and Gujarat (11).
* Other contributing states include Madhya Pradesh (10), Rajasthan (8), Goa (6), Andhra Pradesh (5), Chhattisgarh (5), Maharashtra (3), and Assam (1).
* Assam demonstrated high administrative efficiency by operationalizing a block within nine months of issuing the Letter of Intent (LoI).
**Mineral Diversity and Industrial Impact**
* The operationalized blocks include 47 Iron Ore blocks and 29 Limestone blocks.
* Other minerals produced include Bauxite, Manganese Ore, and Chromite.
* These resources support critical core sectors, specifically steel, cement, aluminium, and general infrastructure.
**Government Reforms and Coordination**
* The Ministry of Mines provides continuous policy support and works closely with State Governments to expedite statutory clearances.
* The coordinated Centre-State approach is designed to address implementation challenges and facilitate timely approvals.
**Impact Analysis**
**Ministry of Mines**
**Impact**
The Ministry has successfully validated its 2015 auction regime and achieved a landmark milestone in mineral resource allocation transparency and efficiency.
**Action Required**
Must maintain active monitoring and provide ongoing policy support to sustain the momentum of transitioning auctioned blocks to production.
**State Governments**
**Impact**
States are recognized as key facilitators in the mining sector through their proactive administrative efforts and policy support.
**Action Required**
Need to continue expediting statutory clearances and approvals to ensure the timely operationalization of remaining auctioned blocks.
**Core Industries (Steel, Cement, Aluminium, Infrastructure)**
**Impact**
These industries benefit from enhanced raw material security and a reduction in dependence on imported minerals.
**Action Required**
Must align production capabilities with the increasing domestic supply of minerals to support overall economic growth.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Mines: The central government body responsible for the auctioning, operationalization, and regulatory reform of India's mineral sector.
Auction Regime: A policy framework introduced in 2015 for the transparent and competitive allocation of mineral resource blocks.
Viksit Bharat 2047: A national strategic vision for a developed India by 2047, which the mining reforms and resource allocation aim to support.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat: A government initiative for national self-reliance, supported through increased domestic mineral production and reduced import dependence.
Odisha, Karnataka, and Gujarat: The leading states in the successful operationalization of mineral blocks, representing the primary geographic impact of the auction reforms.
Ministry of Mines
Ministry of Mines Achieves Landmark with
Operationalization of 101 Auctioned Mineral
Blocks
Posted On: 07 MAY 2026 7:19PM by PIB Delhi
India’s mineral sector has achieved a landmark milestone with the successful operationalization
of 101 auctioned mineral blocks since the introduction of the auction regime in 2015. This
significant achievement underscores the transformative impact of reforms undertaken by the
Ministry of Mines in close coordination with State Governments, contributing towards the vision
of Viksit Bharat 2047 and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Since the introduction of the auction regime in 2015, India has witnessed unprecedented
progress in transparent and competitive mineral resource allocation, with a large number of
mineral blocks auctioned across the country. Of these, 101 auctioned mineral blocks have
already been operationalized, marking a major milestone in the effective implementation of
mining reforms. Notably, FY 2025–26 recorded the highest-ever annual performance under the
auction regime, with 212 mineral blocks auctioned in a single financial year, reflecting the
growing momentum, efficiency, and credibility of India’s transparent mineral allocation
framework.
The operationalization of 101 blocks demonstrates the Ministry’s sustained focus not only on
auctioning mineral resources but also on ensuring their timely transition into production.
Through continuous policy support, procedural streamlining, and active monitoring, the Ministry
of Mines has worked closely with State Governments to expedite statutory clearances, facilitate
approvals, and address implementation challenges. This coordinated Centre–State approach
has significantly expedited the transition of auctioned mineral blocks from allocation to
production.
These operationalized blocks are contributing meaningfully towards enhancing domestic
mineral production, strengthening raw material security for core industries, reducing import
dependence, and supporting overall economic growth.
Among the States, Odisha leads with 34 operationalized blocks, followed by Karnataka with 18
blocks and Gujarat with 11 blocks. Other contributing States include Madhya Pradesh (10),
Rajasthan (8), Goa (6), Andhra Pradesh (5), Chhattisgarh (5), Maharashtra (3), and Assam (1).
Notably, Assam operationalized its block within just nine months of issuance of the Letter of
Intent (LoI), demonstrating administrative efficiency and effective coordination.
The operationalized blocks cover a diverse basket of minerals critical to industrial development.
Iron Ore accounts for 47 blocks, followed by Limestone with 29 blocks. The portfolio also
includes Bauxite, Manganese Ore, Chromite, and other associated minerals that support key
sectors such as steel, cement, aluminium, and infrastructure.The Ministry of Mines commends all State Governments for their proactive efforts, policy
support, and administrative efficiency in bringing these auctioned blocks into operation. The
successful operationalization of 101 auctioned blocks since 2015 reflects the strengthening of
India’s mining governance framework and reaffirms the Government’s commitment to a
transparent, efficient, and sustainable mineral sector that ensures long-term resource security
and contributes to the nation’s economic development.
***
Prajith Kumar MV
(Release ID: 2258841) Visitor Counter : 238
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