India launches its first-ever auction of Exploration Licences for 13 critical and deep-seated mineral blocks in Goa
Union Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant launched India's first auction of Exploration Licences (ELs), for 13 blocks of critical and deep-seated minerals, at Dona Paula, Goa, on 13 March 2025.
Summary
The Ministry of Mines and the Government of Goa launched India's first-ever auction of Exploration Licences on 13 March 2025 at Dona Paula, near Panaji. Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant opened the auction of 13 EL blocks for minerals such as rare earth elements, zinc, diamond, copper and platinum group elements, through online bidding. Exploration Licences were introduced by the MMDR Amendment Act, 2023 to allow private participation in reconnaissance and prospecting for 29 critical and deep-seated minerals listed in the new Seventh Schedule; the Centre issued an order under Section 20A on 21 October 2024 to run the auction. The event also had a roadshow for the 5th tranche of critical mineral block auctions and launched 'AI Hackathon 2025' on mineral targeting using AI.
Key facts
- Launched
- 13 March 2025, Dona Paula, Goa
- By
- G. Kishan Reddy and Goa CM Pramod Sawant
- Blocks
- 13 EL blocks: REE, zinc, diamond, copper, PGE
- Legal basis
- MMDR Amendment Act, 2023
- Minerals covered by ELs
- 29 critical and deep-seated minerals (Seventh Schedule)
- Also
- 5th tranche roadshow; AI Hackathon 2025
Practice MCQs 4 questions
In which state was India's first-ever auction of Exploration Licences launched on 13 March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Goa
The first Exploration Licence auction was launched at Dona Paula, Goa, by G. Kishan Reddy and CM Pramod Sawant.
How many blocks were offered in India's first Exploration Licence auction launched in March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 13
The first EL auction covered 13 blocks for minerals such as REE, zinc, diamond, copper and PGE.
How many critical and deep-seated minerals listed in the Seventh Schedule of the MMDR Act can be explored under an Exploration Licence?
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Correct answer: C — 29
Exploration Licences cover reconnaissance and prospecting for 29 critical and deep-seated minerals listed in the new Seventh Schedule.
Consider the following statements about Exploration Licences (ELs) in India: 1. An EL permits reconnaissance and prospecting operations, not mining. 2. The Centre used its powers under Section 20A of the MMDR Act to issue an order in October 2024 for conducting EL auctions. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: ELs allow reconnaissance and prospecting for Seventh Schedule minerals, and the Centre issued a Section 20A order on 21 October 2024 to run the auctions.