India’s Critical Mineral Mission Gains Momentum: 56 Mineral Blocks and 11 Exploration Licence Blocks Successfully Auctioned – Indian PSU
The Ministry of Mines has achieved a major milestone in advancing India’s mineral security agenda with the successful auction of 56 critical and strategic mineral blocks and 11 Exploration Licence (EL) blocks, reinforcing the country’s commitment to building resilient domestic supply chains for critical minerals.
The latest achievement comes with the successful completion of the Seventh Tranche of Critical and Strategic Mineral Block Auctions, under which 10 mineral blocks were successfully auctioned. With this, the cumulative number of critical and strategic mineral blocks auctioned by the Central Government has reached 56.
According to the Ministry, 56 out of 88 unique mineral blocks offered so far have been successfully auctioned, reflecting a robust success rate of more than 63 percent. The development marks a significant step forward in India’s efforts to secure essential minerals required for clean energy, electric vehicles, advanced manufacturing, defence and high-technology industries.
New States Join Critical Mineral Exploration Map
The Seventh Tranche has expanded the geographical footprint of critical mineral exploration in India, with blocks in Gujarat, Uttarakhand and Telangana being auctioned for the first time by the Central Government.
The auctioned blocks comprise a diverse range of critical and strategic minerals, including:
- Graphite
- Rare Earth Elements (REE)
- Vanadium
- Titanium
- Glauconite
- Rock Phosphate
- Associated strategic minerals
The tranche was launched through a Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) issued on March 23, 2026, offering 19 mineral blocks under the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015.
Exploration Licence Framework Expands Further
In another significant development, the Ministry successfully concluded the Second Tranche of Exploration Licence (EL) Auctions, aimed at accelerating systematic exploration of critical and deep-seated minerals.
The second tranche expanded the Exploration Licence regime to Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha for the first time, opening new avenues for mineral exploration and investment.
With this round, the total number of Exploration Licence blocks successfully auctioned by the Central Government has risen to 11 since the introduction of the EL framework.
The Exploration Licence mechanism allows private and public sector companies to undertake reconnaissance and exploration activities, helping discover new mineral resources and strengthen the country’s long-term resource base.
Boost for National Critical Mineral Mission
The Ministry said the strong response to both critical mineral and Exploration Licence auctions demonstrates growing industry confidence in India’s mineral sector and reflects the success of policy reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, attracting investments and promoting systematic exploration.
The auctioned mineral assets are expected to play a crucial role in supporting sectors such as:
- Electric mobility
- Renewable energy systems
- Battery manufacturing
- Electronics
- Advanced manufacturing
- Defence and aerospace
- Clean energy technologies
The initiative aligns closely with the objectives of the National Critical Mineral Mission, which seeks to reduce import dependence, strengthen domestic mineral availability and secure critical raw materials needed for India’s economic and strategic growth.
Strategic Significance
India currently depends heavily on imports for several critical minerals used in batteries, semiconductors, renewable energy equipment and defence technologies. By accelerating exploration and commercial development of domestic resources, the government aims to reduce supply chain vulnerabilities and enhance self-reliance in strategically important minerals.
The Ministry of Mines acknowledged the support of participating bidders, state governments, technical agencies and industry stakeholders in ensuring the success of the auction programme and reiterated its commitment to creating a transparent, efficient and investor-friendly mineral ecosystem.
