Ministry of Mines Launches Mineral Block Auctions
Ministry of Mines · Economy · Posted 05 NOV 2026 4:45PM
What happened
The Ministry of Mines launched the ninth tranche of critical mineral block auctions and the third tranche of Exploration Licence auctions alongside policy reforms to improve auction outcomes and investor confidence.
Why it matters for UPSC
This development illustrates government efforts toward mineral security, energy transition, and private sector participation in deep-seated mineral exploration, aligning with the economy and governance syllabus regarding industrial policy and natural resource management.
Key objectives
- Launched the ninth tranche of 20 critical and strategic mineral blocks and the third tranche of Exploration Licence (EL) blocks.
- Notified the Mineral (Auction) Third Amendment Rules, 2026, lowering the minimum technically qualified bidders required in the second round from three to two for Part D minerals.
- Set the last date for purchasing tender documents to January 1, 2027, and for submitting bids to January 7, 2027.