India critical mineral auction initiatives

India is conducting roadshows to promote the eighth tranche of auctions for critical and strategic mineral blocks. These auctions include 20 blocks, comprising three mining leases and 17 composite license blocks, covering materials such as graphite, rare earth elements, gallium, molybdenum, titanium, and tungsten.

In Bihar, the Ministry of Mines held an event in Patna to highlight these opportunities. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary stated the state aims to survey 44 mineral blocks and operationalize them within nine months, with revenue intended for public welfare and development.

Efforts to secure domestic supply chains for semiconductors, electric vehicles, and defense equipment are being supported by the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM). This seven-year program, spanning from 2024-25 to 2030-31, involves a proposed expenditure of Rs 16,300 crore. A subsequent roadshow in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh, aimed to facilitate dialogue between government officials and industry leaders regarding the technical and operational aspects of these mining initiatives.