India Ministry of Mines launches ninth round of critical mineral auctions

The Indian Ministry of Mines has initiated the ninth tranche of e-auctions for 20 critical and strategic mineral blocks. This move is part of a government effort to bolster domestic mineral exploration and resource development to reduce reliance on imports.

The minerals targeted in this auction are vital for several strategic sectors, including clean energy technologies, electric mobility, aerospace, and electronics. In previous auction rounds, the government offered 100 unique blocks, with 64 successfully auctioned.

In addition to the mineral block auctions, the ministry has started the third round of exploration licence auctions. This framework allows private companies to explore 29 specified minerals to identify and assess resources before mining operations commence, aiming to attract private investment and strengthen industrial supply chains.