Ministry of Mines Holds Roadshow for Critical Mineral Auctions

The Ministry of Mines, Government of India, is holding a promotional roadshow in Patna, Bihar, on 17 August 2026 for the 8th tranche of Critical and Strategic Mineral Block Auctions. The event is linked to the auction of 20 critical mineral blocks across nine Indian states, with 3 Mining Leases and 17 Composite Licences.

Critical and Strategic Minerals

Critical minerals are minerals that are essential for economic activity, industrial use, and strategic sectors, and their supply chains are often treated as sensitive for national planning. The 8th tranche includes blocks containing graphite, rare earth elements, lithium, vanadium, gallium, titanium, and tungsten.

Auction Structure and Block Types

India uses mineral block auctions under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) framework for allocation of mining rights. A Mining Lease permits extraction and sale of minerals, while a Composite Licence combines a prospecting licence with a mining lease for areas that require further exploration before full-scale mining.

The 8th tranche was launched on 15 July 2026 and covers blocks distributed across nine states. The auction process uses technical and financial evaluation, and the blocks are offered through an e-auction mechanism.

Institutions and Technical Sessions

The roadshow is chaired by Satish Chandra Dubey, Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, along with Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Bihar Mines Minister Dr. Pramod Kumar. The programme includes participation from the Geological Survey of India, Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited, and private industry investors.

Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited is scheduled to present block potential, SBICAPS is scheduled to explain bidding documents, and MSTC is scheduled to brief participants on the e-auction process.

The Ministry of Mines is also conducting a session on the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust scheme, which provides partial reimbursement of exploration costs for licence holders. A technical workshop on Mineral Exploration: Planning, Execution and Reporting is being held on the use of the National Geoscience Data Repository of the Geological Survey of India.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Geological Survey of India was established in 1851 and functions under the Ministry of Mines.
• Rare earth elements are a group of 17 chemically similar elements used in electronics, magnets, and defence applications.
• Lithium is used in rechargeable batteries, ceramics, and certain alloys.
• The National Geoscience Data Repository is a digital platform for geoscientific data management in India.

Mineral Policy Context

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, is the principal law governing mining in India. The National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust was created under the same legal framework to support mineral exploration activities in the country.