India has operationalised 101 auctioned mineral blocks since the introduction of the auction regime in 2015, marking a major milestone in the implementation of mining reforms, the Ministry of Mines said on Thursday, 7 May.
According to the ministry, the achievement reflects the impact of reforms undertaken in close coordination with State Governments and contributes to the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Since the auction regime was introduced in 2015, India has made progress in transparent and competitive allocation of mineral resources, with several mineral blocks auctioned across the country.
Of these, 101 auctioned mineral blocks have already been brought into operation.
The ministry said FY 2025-26 recorded the highest-ever annual performance under the auction regime, with 212 mineral blocks auctioned in a single financial year.
It said this reflects growing momentum, efficiency and credibility in India’s transparent mineral allocation framework.
The Ministry said the operationalisation of 101 blocks shows its focus not only on auctioning mineral resources but also on ensuring their timely transition into production.
The Ministry of Mines has worked with State Governments through policy support, procedural streamlining and active monitoring to speed up statutory clearances, facilitate approvals and address implementation challenges.
The ministry said the coordinated Centre-State approach has helped expedite the movement of auctioned mineral blocks from allocation to production.
These operationalised blocks are supporting domestic mineral production, strengthen raw material security for core industries, reduce import dependence and contribute to overall economic growth.
Among States, Odisha leads with 34 operationalised blocks, followed by Karnataka with 18 blocks and Gujarat with 11 blocks.
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Madhya Pradesh has operationalised 10 blocks, Rajasthan 8, Goa 6, Andhra Pradesh 5, Chhattisgarh 5, Maharashtra 3 and Assam 1.
The ministry said Assam operationalised its block within just nine months of the issuance of the Letter of Intent, reflecting administrative efficiency and coordination.
The operationalised blocks cover a range of minerals important for industrial development.
Iron ore accounts for 47 blocks, followed by limestone with 29 blocks.
The portfolio also includes bauxite, manganese ore, chromite and other associated minerals that support sectors such as steel, cement, aluminium and infrastructure.
The ministry commended State Governments for their efforts, policy support and administrative efficiency in bringing auctioned blocks into operation.
The ministry said the successful operationalisation of 101 auctioned blocks since 2015 reflects the strengthening of India’s mining governance framework and reaffirms the Government’s commitment to a transparent, efficient and sustainable mineral sector that supports long-term resource security and economic development.
