Centre launches second tranche of limestone block auctions in J&K to boost mining and industrial growth
New Delhi: The Ministry of Mines on Tuesday launched the second tranche of e-auction of limestone blocks in Jammu and Kashmir, putting 12 mineral blocks across Anantnag, Rajouri, and Poonch districts up for auction in a move aimed at accelerating industrial development and attracting fresh investments in the Union Territory.
The tranche was officially launched in Srinagar by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, who said the Centre’s reforms in the mining sector are focused on simplifying procedures, ensuring transparency, and improving ease of doing business.
Addressing the event, Goyal said Jammu and Kashmir possesses immense mineral potential and that operationalisation of the limestone blocks would contribute significantly to the vision of “Viksit Bharat”, “Viksit Jammu & Kashmir”, and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” through economic growth, employment generation, and infrastructure expansion.
According to the Ministry, the 12 limestone blocks include both newly identified sites and blocks being re-auctioned under a second attempt in accordance with the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015. The blocks fall under G3 and G4 stages of the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC) and are expected to attract strong interest from cement and infrastructure companies.
Among the five blocks being auctioned for the first time are Kalindange, Naubug-Halan, and Sop limestone blocks in Anantnag district, along with Dharamora and Faislabad limestone blocks in Poonch district.
Seven blocks are being re-auctioned under the second attempt category, including Dooru Shahabad, Koot-Kapran, and Wantrag in Anantnag; Rajpura in Poonch; and Darhal-Chittibatti, Khablian-Bharot-Danna, and Lah Limestone Block-E in Rajouri district.
The Ministry said the auctions are being conducted under the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015, as amended.
The event also featured technical presentations by Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), SBICAPs, and MSTC officials. MECL presented details of the geological and mineral potential of the blocks, while SBICAPs explained the auction process and tender framework. MSTC officials demonstrated the online e-auction and bidding process.
Farida M. Naik urged bidders to explore the mining opportunities in the region, stating that responsible mineral development could play a major role in boosting economic activity, employment generation, and socio-economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Ministry said that the sale of tender documents will begin on May 18, while the pre-bid conference is scheduled for June 5. The last date for purchasing tender documents is July 15, and bids can be submitted until July 21, 2026.
The Ministry added that the latest tranche builds upon the momentum generated by the first phase of mineral block auctions and reflects the government’s strategy to ensure transparent and sustainable utilisation of mineral resources while strengthening investor confidence in the Union Territory.
(DD News)
