The Union Ministry of Mines on Tuesday launched the second tranche of e-auction for 12 limestone blocks in Jammu and Kashmir, marking another major milestone towards transparent, sustainable and investor-friendly mineral development in the Union Territory.
Ministry of Mines Secretary Piyush Goyal officially launched the tranche at a function here. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the transformative reforms and amendments undertaken by the ministry to simplify processes, strengthen transparency and improve ease of doing business in the mining sector.
He emphasised that J-K possesses immense mineral potential and the auction and operationalisation of these blocks will significantly contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, Viksit Jammu and Kashmir, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat through economic growth, employment generation and industrial development.
“A total of 12 limestone blocks, spread across the districts of Anantnag, Rajouri and Poonch have been put up for auction under Tranche II. These include both newly identified blocks and blocks being re-auctioned under a second attempt, in accordance with the provisions of the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015 (as amended),” the PIB said in a handout.
It said the blocks are categorised under G3 and G4 stages of the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC) and are expected to attract strong industry interest, particularly from the cement and infrastructure sectors. During the event, Joint Secretary and Designated Officer, Farida M Naik, urged the bidders to explore the region’s mining potential, highlighting its role in boosting economic growth, employment and socio-economic development. The sale of tender documents will commence on May 18 and the pre-bid conference is scheduled for June 5 this year.
The auction is conducted under the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015. Building upon the momentum of the first tranche, this initiative reflects a calibrated approach to ensure optimal utilisation of mineral resources, while enhancing investor participation and confidence.
The technical session featured detailed presentations by MECL, SBICAPs, and MSTC.
Srikant Sharma, MECL, presented the geological and mineral potential of the 12 limestone blocks. Pratin Sharma, Assistant Vice President, SBICAPs, explained the mineral auction process and tender framework while Keshav Arora, Manager, MSTC, demonstrated the e-auction portal and online bidding process, according to the PIB handout.