New Delhi: Hindustan Zinc, Vedanta Limited, Mamco Mining Private Limited, Oil India Ltd and Orissa Metaliks Private Limited are among the five bidders that have secured eight critical mineral blocks under Tranche IV of the Auction of Critical and Strategic Mineral Blocks. According to the Ministry of Mines, Hindustan Zinc Limited has bagged two Tungsten blocks, one in Andhra Pradesh and another in Tamil Nadu, while Vedanta Limited has secured a Vanadium and Graphite block in Arunachal Pradesh and a Cobalt, Manganese and Iron (Poly-Metal) block in Karnataka. Jharkhand-based Mamco Mining Private Limited has also won a Graphite block in Arunachal Pradesh and a Phosphorite block in Uttar Pradesh.
State-run Oil India Limited has secured its first critical mineral block (Graphite and Vanadium) in Arunachal Pradesh. Orissa Metaliks Private Limited has also bagged a Graphite and Vanadium block in Arunachal.
“The Ministry of Mines has successfully concluded the auction of eight critical mineral blocks, launched under Tranche IV of the Auction of Critical and Strategic Mineral Blocks. This achievement underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering mineral security and ensuring the availability of vital resources needed for the nation’s energy transition, sustainable industrial and economic growth,” said the Ministry of Mines.
“The auction, conducted under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, leverages the Central Government’s authority to grant mineral concessions for key minerals listed in Part D of the First Schedule. This legislative empowerment marks a pivotal step in India’s strategy to secure a steady supply of critical minerals vital for sectors including electronics, defense, and renewable energy,” the ministry added.
Following the issuance of the Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) on June 24 this year, for 21 mineral blocks, the auction attracted strong interest from industry stakeholders. After the evaluation of technical bids, 10 mineral blocks advanced to the second round of e-auction, which included three First Attempt Blocks and seven Second Attempt Blocks. These blocks contain deposits of strategic minerals such as phosphorite, graphite, and vanadium, essential for high-tech and green energy applications. The auction process for the eight blocks have successfully concluded; for the remaining two blocks, the process will be completed by December 2, said the ministry.
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