The Indian government is set to launch the seventh tranche of auctions for critical and strategic mineral blocks on March 23, 2026.
The latest tranche will offer 19 mineral blocks spread across multiple states under mining leases and composite licences. These blocks include a diverse range of minerals vital for sectors such as clean energy, advanced technologies, fertilisers, and strategic industries.
Strong Momentum In Mineral Auctions
The Ministry of Mines has already completed six successful auction rounds, with 46 critical and strategic mineral blocks auctioned so far. This steady progress reflects robust industry participation and growing investor confidence in India’s mineral ecosystem.
Rising Demand For Critical Minerals
Critical minerals are central to India’s economic growth and technological ambitions. The global shift towards clean energy and advanced manufacturing has sharply increased demand for key resources such as lithium, graphite, rare earth elements (REE), tungsten, vanadium, and titanium.
However, limited availability and geographical concentration of these minerals continue to pose risks to global supply chains, making domestic resource development increasingly important.
Policy Push To Strengthen Supply Chains
Recognising the strategic importance of these resources, the government amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 on August 17, 2023. The amendment officially designated 24 minerals as critical and strategic, enabling the Centre to auction mining leases and composite licences for these assets.
Importantly, revenues generated from these auctions will accrue to the respective state governments, supporting regional development.
Reforms To Boost Transparency And Efficiency
The government has also introduced a series of reforms to enhance transparency and expedite project execution. The Mineral (Auction) Second Amendment Rules, 2025 streamline post-auction processes, including performance security submission, upfront payments, and issuance of Letters of Intent.
Further, the Mineral (Auction) Amendment Rules, 2026 allow the use of insurance surety bonds as an alternative to bank guarantees, offering greater flexibility to bidders and improving ease of participation.
Transparent Digital Auction Process
The auction will be conducted online through a two-stage ascending forward auction mechanism, where the successful bidder will be determined based on the highest percentage of the value of mineral dispatched.