India to Launch 7th Tranche of Critical and Strategic Mineral Auction

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy is set to launch the 7th tranche of auction for 19 critical and strategic mineral blocks. This move aims to bolster India's mineral security, economic development, and support the clean energy transition.

Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy will launch the 7th Tranche of Auction of Critical and Strategic Mineral Blocks on Monday, according to a statement.

The Strategic Importance of Critical Minerals

Critical minerals are pivotal for the country's economic development and mineral security. The global transition towards clean energy and advanced technologies has significantly increased the demand for minerals such as lithium, graphite, rare earth elements (REE), tungsten, vanadium, titanium and other rare metals. Their limited availability and geographical concentration pose challenges to resilient supply chains worldwide.

Legislative Framework and Auction Progress

Recognising their strategic importance, the Government of India amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) on August 17, 2023, notifying 24 minerals as Critical and Strategic Minerals. This amendment empowers the Central Government to auction Mining Leases and Composite Licences for these minerals. The revenue generated from these auctions accrues to the respective State Governments, the statement added.

So far, the Ministry of Mines has successfully launched six tranches of auctions, with 46 critical and strategic mineral blocks already auctioned, reflecting strong industry participation and growing confidence in India's mineral sector.

Building on this momentum, the Seventh Tranche will offer 19 blocks across several States under Mining Lease and Composite Licence. These blocks comprise a diverse basket of minerals essential for sectors such as clean energy, advanced technologies, fertilizers and strategic industries, the release further stated.

Reforms to Enhance Auction Efficiency

The auction framework has been progressively strengthened to ensure transparency, efficiency and faster operationalisation of mineral blocks. Recent reforms, including the Mineral (Auction) Second Amendment Rules, 2025, have streamlined post-auction timelines such as submission of performance security, upfront payment and issuance of Letter of Intent.

Additionally, the Mineral (Auction) Amendment Rules, 2026, have introduced the provision of Insurance Surety Bond as an alternative to bank guarantees, enhancing flexibility for bidders.

Transparent Online Auction Process

The auction will be conducted online through a transparent two-stage ascending forward auction process, wherein the successful bidder will be selected based on the highest percentage of value of mineral dispatched quoted, the statement added. (ANI)

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