**Executive Summary**
In the financial year 2025–26, the Ministry of Mines achieved a record by operationalising 30 mineral blocks, the highest ever within a single year. This milestone follows the auction of over 200 blocks during the same period and reflects focused government efforts to transition from auctions to active production. The initiative aims to strengthen domestic mineral production, reduce import dependence, and support the vision of "Viksit Bharat 2047."
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Operational Achievements**
* A record 30 mineral blocks were operationalised in FY 2025–26.
* More than 200 mineral blocks were auctioned during the same financial year, indicating high momentum in the sector.
* The operationalisation of these blocks demonstrates a shift toward time-bound execution of mining projects.
**Regulatory and Procedural Reforms**
* Streamlined procedures have been implemented to accelerate the transition from auction to production.
* The Ministry has fast-tracked statutory clearances to prevent delays.
* A robust framework for continuous monitoring and strengthened coordination with State Governments has been established.
**Geographic and Mineral Distribution**
* Operations are spread across 10 mineral-rich states, led by Gujarat (8 blocks), Madhya Pradesh (5), and Odisha (5).
* Other states include Goa (4), Karnataka (2), Rajasthan (2), and one block each in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Assam.
* Key minerals extracted include Iron Ore, Limestone, Bauxite, and Manganese, which are essential for the steel, cement, and infrastructure sectors.
**Strategic Goals**
* The achievement contributes to "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" by enhancing self-reliance in mineral resources.
* Expected outcomes include boosted domestic production, reduced reliance on imports, job creation, and overall economic growth.
**Impact Analysis**
**Ministry of Mines and State Governments**
**Impact**
The Ministry has established a successful framework for coordination and monitoring, leading to record-breaking execution speeds.
**Action Required**
Maintain the current momentum and continue accelerating the operationalisation of remaining auctioned blocks in subsequent years.
**Mining and Industrial Sectors (Steel, Cement, and Infrastructure)**
**Impact**
Increased availability of critical raw materials like Iron Ore and Limestone supports core industrial growth and reduces costs associated with imports.
**Action Required**
Prepare for increased domestic mineral supply and align production capacities with the newly operationalised resources.
**National Economy and Workforce**
**Impact**
The shift to domestic production is expected to generate significant employment opportunities and contribute to the national GDP.
**Action Required**
Ensure that the local workforce is prepared for the employment opportunities arising from the commencement of these new mining operations.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Mines: The primary regulatory authority responsible for implementing reforms to accelerate the operationalisation of auctioned mineral blocks.
Viksit Bharat 2047: The national vision document with which the operationalisation of mineral blocks aligns to strengthen domestic production.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat: A government initiative aimed at achieving self-reliance by reducing mineral import dependence through increased domestic production.
Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Goa, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Assam: The key mineral-rich states where 30 mineral blocks were successfully operationalised in the financial year 2025–26.
Ministry of Mines
Record 30 Mineral Blocks Operationalised in FY
2025–26
Posted On: 30 MAR 2026 7:04PM by PIB Delhi
In a historic milestone for India’s mining sector, 30 mineral blocks have been successfully operationalised
in the financial year 2025–26, marking the first time ever that such a high number of blocks have been
made operational within a single financial year.
This achievement signifies a major shift towards faster execution and reflects the Government’s focused
efforts to translate auctions into actual production on the ground.
The Ministry of Mines had earlier informed that more than 200 mineral blocks were auctioned during FY
2025–26, indicating strong momentum in the sector. The operationalisation of 30 blocks within the same
year demonstrates significant progress in ensuring that auctioned blocks are brought into production in a
time-bound manner.
In recent years, the Ministry of Mines has undertaken a series of focused reforms to accelerate the
operationalisation of auctioned mineral blocks. Through streamlined procedures, faster statutory
clearances, strengthened coordination with State Governments, and continuous monitoring, a robust
framework has been established to ensure timely commencement of mining operations.
This achievement aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and contributes to the goal of Aatmanirbhar
Bharat, as envisioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, by strengthening domestic
mineral production and reducing import dependence
The operationalised blocks are spread across key mineral-rich States and include important minerals such
as Iron Ore, Limestone, Bauxite and Manganese, which are critical for core sectors like steel, cement and
infrastructure.
List of blocks Operationalised in FY 2025-26
Sl. States No. of Blocks Minerals
No Operationalized
1 Gujarat 8 Bauxite-1, Bauxite Limestone and Marl-1,
Limestone-4, Limestone & Marl-2
2 Madhya Pradesh 5 Limestone-3, Iron Ore-2
3 Odisha 5 Iron Ore & Manganese-3, Iron Ore-2
4 Goa 4 Iron Ore5 Karnataka 2 Iron Ore
6 Rajasthan 2 Limestone
7 Andhra Pradesh 1 Limestone
8 Maharashtra 1 Limestone
9 Chhattisgarh 1 Limestone
10 Assam 1 Limestone
Total 30
This milestone is expected to boost domestic mineral production, reduce import dependence, generate
employment, and contribute to overall economic growth.
The Ministry of Mines remains committed to sustaining this momentum and further accelerating the
operationalisation of mineral blocks in the coming years.
***
Prajith Kumar MV
(Release ID: 2247030) Visitor Counter : 217
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