J&K’s mining sector gets major boost as 12 limestone blocks go under hammer

In a bid to tap Jammu & Kashmir’s vast limestone reserves, the Ministry of Mines on Tuesday launched the second tranche of e-auctions for 12 limestone blocks located in Anantnag, Rajouri and Poonch districts.

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 categorised 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.

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Piyush Goyal, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, officially launched the tranche in Srinagar. In his keynote address, he highlighted the transformative reforms and amendments undertaken by the ministry to simplify processes, strengthen transparency, and enhance the ease of doing business in the mining sector.

He emphasised that Jammu and Kashmir possesses immense mineral potential and that the auction and operationalisation 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.

Building upon the momentum of the first tranche, this initiative reflects a calibrated approach to ensure optimal utilisation 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 5, 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.