Govt launches e-auction of 12 limestone blocks in Anantnag, Rajouri, Poonch

The Centre on Tuesday launched the second tranche of limestone block auctions in Jammu & Kashmir, putting 12 blocks up for e-auction as part of efforts to promote sustainable mining and industrial development in the Union Territory.

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 second attempt, in accordance with the provisions of the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015 (as amended). The blocks are categorized 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.

Piyush Goyal, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, officially launched the tranche and, in his keynote address, 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 emphasized that Jammu & Kashmir possesses immense mineral potential and that the auction and operationalization of these blocks will significantly contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, Viksit Jammu & Kashmir, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat through economic growth, employment generation, and industrial development.

The auction is being conducted under the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015 (as amended). Building upon the momentum of the first tranche, this initiative reflects a calibrated approach to ensure optimal utilization 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.

During the event Farida M. Naik, Joint Secretary & Designated Officer, Ministry of Mines, encouraged 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, 2026, and the pre-bid conference is scheduled for June 05, 2026. The last date for purchase of Tender Documents is July 15, 2026, and the last date for submission of bids is July 21, 2026.