Srinagar, May 12 (JKNS): The Union Ministry of Mines on Tuesday launched the second tranche of limestone block auctions in Jammu and Kashmir, with senior officials expressing confidence that the initiative will accelerate mining-led industrial growth and economic development in the Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the inaugural session of the launch of the second tranche of limestone block auctions, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Government of India, Piyush Goyal, as per news agency JKNS, said that 12 limestone blocks have been put up for auction in Jammu and Kashmir and many of these blocks possess substantial limestone reserves.
“Today, we have started the auction process of the second tranche of 12 limestone blocks in Jammu and Kashmir. We are excited to interact with the bidders. Many of these blocks are very large and contain rich limestone resources. We are hopeful of achieving good success through this process,” he said.
The Secretary said the Government of India has taken special interest in ensuring rapid development in Jammu and Kashmir and initiated the auction process to facilitate transparent and equitable participation.
“Development in Jammu and Kashmir is a priority for the Government of India. To support the UT administration, the Centre has started this auction process so that all stakeholders can participate fairly and transparently. Today, we are briefing bidders about the entire process and details of all blocks,” he added.
Highlighting the progress made in the mining sector across the country, Goyal said India achieved a record auction of 212 mineral blocks during 2025-26, compared to around 100 blocks annually in previous years.
“Not only have we set a record in mineral block auctions, but we have also significantly improved operationalisation of mines. From 2015 to 2024, only 58 mineral blocks were operationalised in ten years, whereas in 2025-26 alone, 36 blocks became operational,” he said.
He further stated that out of the 36 operationalised blocks during the last year, 28 were greenfield projects, reflecting rapid expansion and development in the mining sector.
The Secretary said India also recorded nearly 8 percent growth in limestone and iron ore production during the previous year and the mining sector registered an overall growth rate of around 5.5 percent despite global economic uncertainties.
Referring to critical minerals, he said the Centre has intensified focus on minerals like lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite and vanadium, which are essential for green energy transition and strategic sectors.
“In the last two years, 46 auctions of critical mineral blocks have been successfully conducted and 19 more blocks are currently under auction. We are working towards creating a strong value chain in the country,” he said.
On environmental concerns, Goyal said sustainable mining remains a key priority and the Ministry has implemented a star-rating system through the Indian Bureau of Mines to ensure environmental compliance.
“A minimum three-star rating is mandatory for mines. If a mine fails to achieve it within three years, it faces closure. We encourage mines to reach five-star and even seven-star ratings to ensure sustainable mining practices without harming the environment,” he said.
Addressing illegal mining, the Secretary stressed the need for greater use of technology including drone surveys, RFID gate passes and real-time mineral analysis systems to effectively curb unlawful extraction activities.
“If technology is properly utilised, illegal mining can be controlled completely. Otherwise, it will continue shifting from one place to another. We are implementing several technology-based mechanisms for monitoring and transparency,” he added. (JKNS)
