India Awards 10 Critical Mineral Blocks in Landmark Auction
First potash block auctioned as part of fifth phase to boost mineral self-reliance
Bhubaneswar :
The Government of India has successfully concluded the fifth phase of its strategic mineral auctions, awarding 10 out of 15 blocks offered for bidding. This phase is significant as it includes the country’s first-ever potash block, marking a major step toward reducing dependence on imported fertilizers.
Launched on January 28, 2025, this auction round featured key minerals such as graphite (Odisha), phosphorite, phosphate, rare earth elements (REEs), vanadium, potash, and halite. The awarded blocks are spread across Rajasthan, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh.
With these additions, the total number of critical mineral blocks auctioned so far stands at 34, reinforcing the Centre’s efforts to build a resilient domestic supply chain for minerals essential to energy, defense, and high-tech industries.
The successful auction of the potash block is expected to catalyze domestic production and strengthen the agricultural sector by reducing reliance on imports.
Rajasthan also saw its first successful strategic mineral block auction during this phase, further expanding the nation’s critical mineral base.
The Ministry of Mines is also focusing on mineral exploration and has launched the National Critical Mineral Mission to ensure long-term availability of these resources through strategic planning and industry collaboration.
This series of auctions reflects India’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in critical minerals under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
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