India auctions a record 200 mineral blocks in FY 2025-26; Gujarat leads with 32
The Ministry of Mines said on 19 March 2026 that 200 mineral blocks were auctioned in FY 2025-26, the highest ever in a single year, with Gujarat (32), Rajasthan (30) and Tamil Nadu (22) the top contributors.
Summary
India's mineral block auctions reached a record 200 blocks in FY 2025-26, the highest ever in a single year, the Ministry of Mines announced on 19 March 2026. Of these, 123 are Mining Lease blocks and 77 Composite Licence blocks, and tenders for 70 more blocks are under way. Gujarat led with 32 blocks, followed by Rajasthan (30) and Tamil Nadu (22); Tamil Nadu held mineral block auctions for the first time and Uttarakhand auctioned its first magnesite block. Limestone was the most auctioned mineral (76 blocks), followed by iron ore (40) and bauxite (30), and 22 critical mineral blocks were auctioned.
Key facts
- Total
- 200 blocks – highest ever in a year
- Type
- 123 Mining Lease, 77 Composite Licence
- Top states
- Gujarat 32, Rajasthan 30, Tamil Nadu 22
- Firsts
- Tamil Nadu's first auctions; Uttarakhand's first magnesite block
- Minerals
- Limestone 76, iron ore 40, bauxite 30
- Critical minerals
- 22 blocks (Rajasthan 5, Chhattisgarh 4, Odisha 4, Karnataka 3, Maharashtra 2)
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which State auctioned the most mineral blocks in FY 2025-26, when India auctioned a record 200 blocks?
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Correct answer: D — Gujarat
Gujarat led with 32 blocks, followed by Rajasthan (30) and Tamil Nadu (22).
Which mineral accounted for the largest number of blocks auctioned in FY 2025-26?
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Correct answer: A — Limestone
Limestone accounted for 76 blocks, the most auctioned mineral, followed by iron ore (40) and bauxite (30).
Consider the following about mineral block auctions in FY 2025-26: 1. A majority of the 200 auctioned blocks were Composite Licence blocks. 2. Tamil Nadu conducted mineral block auctions for the first time. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: 123 of the 200 were Mining Lease blocks and 77 Composite Licence blocks. Statement 2 is correct.