CRITICAL MINERALS AUCTION
India to launch 15th round of commercial coal mine auctions on April 17
The upcoming auction round seeks to improve ease of doing business, attract investment and widen industry participation. It will offer a mix of fully explored and partially explored coal blocks, targeting participation from established miners, new entrants and technology-driven firms.
Coal stock adequate for 90 days available: Union Coal Minister Kishan Reddy
India now holds over 200 million tonnes of coal, enough for 90 days, a significant increase from previous stock levels. The nation achieved one billion tonne coal production for the second consecutive year. The government is actively working to reduce import dependence and boost self-reliance in the minerals sector. Reforms and auctions are driving progress in this vital area.
Most difficult: Staying invested in businesses while ignoring noise called Gulf war; 19 stocks from different sectors to ‘hold’
Businesses that create long-term wealth are those where the demand runway is long, the competitive position is strong, and the management is competent. Everything else, tariffs and war included, is noise where the market is concerned. Loud noise, yes. Uncomfortable noise, certainly. But noise nonetheless. And these days, the noise level is not only high, but appears credible. To some extent, that is because of the disruption in the energy supply chains that are critical for India. But it is not the first time such noise has impacted the market – and it will not be the last. It will keep happening. Learn to live with, and manage, it.
India does not plan to revive offshore mining auction in near term, sources say
India has shelved plans for deep-sea mining auctions, citing a lack of technological readiness and anticipated low bidder interest. The initial auction for critical mineral blocks, valued over 1.5 trillion rupees, was annulled due to poor response. Companies find the venture economically unfeasible, with domestic miners unprepared for the substantial investments and specialized technology required.
Govt cancels auction of 11 critical, strategic mineral blocks
The government has cancelled the auction of 11 critical and strategic mineral blocks in the sixth round due to poor investor response and a lack of qualified bidders. Five blocks received no bids, five had fewer than three technically qualified bidders, and the Beku Rare Metal Block in West Bengal was also annulled.
Centre puts 19 critical mineral mines on the block
India has launched its seventh e-auction for critical and strategic mineral blocks. These minerals are vital for clean energy and advanced manufacturing. The government is also ensuring coal prices are controlled. States have been directed to prevent profiteering by coal retailers. India has sufficient coal stock to meet domestic needs.
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Government to launch 7th critical mineral auction tranche to boost resource security
India is set to auction 19 critical and strategic mineral blocks. This move aims to boost the nation's economic development and mineral security. These minerals are vital for clean energy and advanced technologies. The auction follows successful previous tranches. Reforms have streamlined the process for greater transparency and efficiency. Bidders will participate in an online, two-stage ascending forward auction.
Centre auctions record 200 mineral blocks in FY26, highest ever
A record 200 mineral blocks will be sold in 2025-26. This is the highest ever in a single year. Tamil Nadu is conducting auctions for the first time. Uttarakhand is also entering the framework with its first magnesite block. Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu are leading the auctions. This initiative strengthens the national auction ecosystem.
Stainless steel companies seek govt action on China dumping & raw materials
India's stainless steel sector is preparing for significant growth. Producers are expanding capacity to meet rising domestic demand. The industry is urging the government to improve raw material access and shield it from unfair competition. Key measures include designating chromium as a critical mineral and reducing import duties on essential inputs.
Cabinet may approve pacts with Germany, Canada for critical minerals cooperation
India is set to strengthen its strategic partnerships by signing pacts with Germany and Canada. These agreements will focus on critical minerals, vital for clean energy and advanced technologies. The cooperation includes joint exploration, sustainable mining, and supply chain resilience. This move aligns with India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and its Critical Minerals Mission.
Odisha's critical mineral sector to hit USD 20 bn mark by 2032: Study
Odisha's critical minerals sector is set to hit USD 18-20 billion by 2032 from USD 8 billion currently. The state is set for a transformative leap in the critical minerals sector. This remarkable rise is powered by strategic policies and hefty industrial investments.
Resilient supply chains key to strategic security amid critical minerals race: Reddy
In a bold stride towards self-sufficiency, India is ramping up its mineral exploration initiatives. This strategy not only aims to diminish reliance on imports but also bolsters national security.
Centre offers 11 deep-seated mineral blocks for exploration
India's Exploration Licence regime was introduced under the MMDR Amendment Act, 2023, along with the Mineral (Auction) Amendment Rules, 2023. In the first round, 13 exploration blocks were auctioned, of which seven were awarded spanning six states. Minerals included gold, copper, REE, platinum group elements (PGEs), lead, and zinc.
Govt notifies coking coal as ‘critical mineral’ to cut steel import dependence
India has declared coking coal a Critical and Strategic Mineral. This move aims to reduce reliance on imports for steelmaking. The government's decision will expedite mining clearances and policy support. It recognizes coking coal's vital role in national mineral security and the steel sector. This reform is set to boost private investment and create jobs.
India extends auction for deep-sea blocks containing critical minerals
India has extended the auction deadline for deep-sea mineral blocks, crucial for electric vehicle batteries, to May 1, due to requests from companies seeking more time for block assessment. This move aims to encourage broader participation, despite opposition citing environmental concerns and protests from fishing communities. India seeks to secure critical minerals for its ambitious renewable energy goals.
India to launch auction for mineral exploration licenses for 13 blocks
India will start an auction on Thursday for licences to explore critical minerals, the government said. The Ministry of Mines will auction 13 exploration blocks, including diamond and copper. In 2023, India listed over 20 minerals, including lithium, as "critical" for its energy transition and growing industrial demand. The aim is to reduce reliance on imports.
Govt aims to put max number of critical blocks on auction by 2031: MoS Satish Chandra Dubey
The government has sought industry support for the National Critical Mineral Mission, aiming to auction maximum critical mineral blocks by 2031. The mission targets self-reliance in essential minerals, crucial for green energy technologies, and includes exploration, mining, and recycling processes, with a focus on reducing import dependence.
Centre to launch National Critical Mineral Mission to boost production: Union minister
Union minister G Kishan Reddy announced the upcoming launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission to increase domestic production and reduce import dependence, with focus on offshore mining. Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted the state's contribution to India's growth. They also launched the Mining Tenement System for better resource management and awarded excellence in mineral block auctions.
Telangana auctions limestone mines in a first for the state
Telangana has joined 12 other states in the mineral auction regime by bidding out two limestone blocks, eight years after the MMDR Amendment Act. Deccan Cements and NCL Industries have acquired these blocks. The state is also being urged to auction iron-ore and manganese blocks. Tamil Nadu and Arunachal Pradesh are also part of this mineral auction initiative.
Vedanta, Oil India, Hindustan Zinc emerge preferred bidders in critical mineral auctions
India took a step towards self-reliance in critical minerals. The Mines Ministry announced winners for eight mineral blocks. Hindustan Zinc Limited, Vedanta, and Oil India were among the winners. These blocks, rich in phosphorite, graphite, and vanadium, are crucial for high-tech and green energy sectors.
Government scraps auction of 3 critical mineral blocks, including J&K lithium mine
The government has scrapped the auction of three critical mineral blocks, including a lithium mine in Jammu and Kashmir, under the third tranche of sale of mines due to a lower-than-required number of bidders. The auction is a part of the government's push towards cleaner alternatives and self-reliance in critical mineral supplies. The three blocks are Salal-Haimna Lithium, Titanium and Bauxite (Aluminous Laterite) Block in Jammu and Kashmir, Muskaniya-Gareriatola-Barwari Potash block in Jharkhand and Kurunjakulam Graphite block in Tamil Nadu.
India cancels 14 out of 18 critical mineral block auctions launched in second tranche, notice shows
India has canceled the auction for 14 critical mineral blocks, part of a $362 billion initiative launched in February to promote clean energy transition. The cancellation was due to lack of bids received for blocks containing minerals like vanadium, graphite, and cobalt.
No benefits likely from 38 critical blocks put on sale in this decade: Icra
Icra reported that benefits from the 38 critical mineral blocks on sale may not materialize by 2030 due to incomplete exploration. India's downstream manufacturing could face supply shocks. The government is auctioning lithium blocks in J&K and Chhattisgarh, with challenges in extracting lithium from clay deposits. Overseas acquisitions are also being considered.
Second critical mineral bid round to be called on Thursday
First round of critical mineral bids was called in November 2023. This was made possible after an amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act earlier this fiscal. The centre also notified 24 minerals as being Critical and Strategic for the country, demand for which are usually met by imports.
Centre gives one month relaxation in timelines for critical mineral auctions
The government recently listed 24 minerals as strategic and critical for the country. These include graphite, molybdenum, lithium and platinum group elements. Efforts are now underway to speedily auction mining leases for these minerals. Mines ae spread across Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu among others.
Critical mineral, offshore mineral blocks set for auction in 2024
In a strategic move, India is set to auction critical and offshore mineral blocks, along with issuing exploration licenses in 2024, aiming to revive the mining sector and spur economic growth. Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi disclosed plans for regular critical mineral auctions, aligning with the government's focus on self-reliance.
India to launch first-ever auction of critical mineral blocks, including world's new fuel, from Nov 29
India is set to launch its first-ever auction of 20 critical mineral blocks on November 29. This initiative aims not only to bolster economic growth but also secure essential resources for driving the nation's green energy shift. The online auction will use a transparent two-stage ascending forward process, selecting bidders based on their quoted mineral values.
India to invite bids for 20 critical minerals, including lithium, in 2 weeks: Official
India plans to invite bids within two weeks for 20 crucial mineral blocks, encompassing minerals like lithium and graphite, aiming to bolster domestic resources for the green energy shift. State-run enterprises have been actively scouting the globe in search of these valuable mineral resources.
India to start auction of critical mineral mines in few weeks
The Indian government is set to begin the auction of critical mineral mines in the coming weeks. The blocks that will be up for auction include nickel, lithium, cobalt, platinum, and rare earths. The tender seeking bids is expected to be released in December, with auctions starting three months later. These reforms are aimed at boosting exploration and securing critical mineral assets. State-run enterprises and energy giants are actively seeking these valuable mineral resources, with India's focus on regions like Australia and South America.
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