12 limestone blocks up for auction
Srinagar, May 12: The Ministry of Mines Tuesday launched the second tranche of e-auction of limestone blocks in Jammu and Kashmir, putting 12 blocks across Anantnag, Rajouri and Poonch districts up for auction as part of efforts to promote transparent and investor-friendly mineral development in the Union Territory.
Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Piyush Goyal formally launched the tranche in Srinagar and said Jammu and Kashmir possesses “immense mineral potential.”
He said the auction and operationalisation of the blocks would contribute to the vision of “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Jammu & Kashmir and Aatmanirbhar Bharat” through economic growth, employment generation and industrial development.
He also highlighted reforms and amendments introduced by the Ministry to simplify processes, strengthen transparency and improve ease of doing business in the mining sector.
According to officials, the 12 limestone blocks include both newly identified blocks and blocks being re-auctioned under the second attempt in accordance with the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015 (as amended).
The blocks fall under G3 and G4 stages of the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC) and are expected to attract interest from the cement and infrastructure sectors.
The blocks put up under the first attempt are Kalindange, Naubug-Halan and Sop limestone blocks in Anantnag district, and Dharamora and Faislabad limestone blocks in Poonch district.
The second-attempt blocks include Dooru Shahabad, Koot-Kapran and Wantrag limestone blocks in Anantnag district; Rajpura block in Poonch district; and Darhal-Chittibatti, Khablian-Bharot-Danna and Lah Limestone Block-E in Rajouri district.
The auction is being conducted under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015 (as amended).
Officials said the initiative builds on the first tranche and aims at optimal utilisation of mineral resources while enhancing investor participation.
During the technical session, representatives from MECL, SBICAPs and MSTC made presentations on the geological potential of the blocks, auction procedures and the online bidding process.
Joint Secretary and Designated Officer, Ministry of Mines, Smt Farida M. Naik, urged bidders to explore the mining potential of the region and highlighted its role in economic growth, employment generation and socio-economic development.
Officials said sale of tender documents will begin on May 18, while the pre-bid conference is scheduled for June 5. The last date for purchase of tender documents is July 15 and bids can be submitted till July 21, 2026.
