New Delhi: In a strategic push to boost domestic availability of essential resources for emerging sectors, the Ministry of Mines on Thursday organized a roadshow in New Delhi to promote the sixth tranche of the auction of critical and strategic mineral blocks.
The event was chaired by Piyush Goyal, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, and witnessed participation from senior officials of the ministry, representatives from various states, exploration agencies, industry leaders, and prospective bidders.
Sixth Tranche: 23 Mineral Blocks Across 13 States
Launched on September 16, 2025, the sixth tranche features 23 mineral blocks, including:
- 19 Composite Licences (CLs)
- 4 Mining Leases (MLs)
These blocks are spread across 13 states and include a wide range of critical minerals vital for renewable energy, electric mobility, defence, and advanced technologies. The key minerals in this tranche are:
- Rare Earth Elements (REEs)
- Lithium
- Tungsten
- Niobium
- Graphite
- Tin
- Titanium
- Vanadium
- Phosphate
- Rare Metals
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Advancing India’s Mineral Security and Industrial Ecosystem
To date, the Ministry has successfully auctioned over 34 critical mineral blocks in the previous five tranches. This marks a significant move toward securing India’s mineral resource base, reducing import dependency, and supporting the “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives.
Government’s Vision: Transparency, Technology, and Self-Reliance
In his keynote address, Secretary Piyush Goyal emphasized that the Government’s role extends beyond conducting auctions. He highlighted efforts to:
- Develop indigenous technologies for mineral beneficiation and processing
- Strengthen the domestic value chain for critical minerals
- Align India’s mineral policy with global standards and market needs
Goyal reiterated the Government’s broader vision of building a self-reliant, resilient, and transparent mineral sector in line with the Viksit Bharat 2047 roadmap, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Investor-Focused Insights and Digital Auction Process
The roadshow included detailed presentations on:
- Geological data and resource potential of the blocks
- Technical and financial aspects of the bidding process
- Bid submission guidelines and e-auction demonstration
- Reimbursement schemes for Composite Licence blocks
Participants were also engaged in a Q&A session to clarify queries regarding exploration incentives, legal frameworks, and investment opportunities.
Auction Timeline
- Sale of Tender Documents: Opened on September 23, 2025
- Last Date for Sale: November 24, 2025
- Last Date for Bid Submission: December 1, 2025
- Auction Details: Available on the MSTC e-auction portal
Commitment to Investor Confidence and Resource Accountability
Delivering the welcome address, Additional Secretary Sanjay Lohiya reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to a transparent, investor-friendly, and efficient auction ecosystem, further enhancing India’s strategic mineral capabilities.
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