J&K Mineral Boost: Ministry of Mines Opens Second Tranche of Limestone Block Auctions in Srinagar
SRINAGAR, May 12, 2026 — In a strategic move to bolster the industrial landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, the Ministry of Mines has officially launched the second tranche of e-auctions for limestone blocks in the Union Territory. During the launch event held in Srinagar, Piyush Goyal, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, detailed the recent legislative reforms designed to streamline the mining sector and enhance the ease of doing business. He noted that the operationalization of these mineral reserves is a critical step toward the “Viksit Bharat” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives, promising significant economic growth and job creation for the region.
A total of 12 limestone blocks across the districts of Anantnag, Rajouri, and Poonch are now open for bidding. This selection includes five new blocks, such as Kalindange and Naubug-Halan in Anantnag, alongside seven blocks being re-auctioned in a second attempt, including sites in Dooru Shahabad and Darhal-Chittibatti. These blocks, categorized under the G3 and G4 stages of the United Nations Framework Classification, are expected to draw substantial interest from the cement and infrastructure industries. The auction process is being conducted in strict adherence to the Mineral (Auction) Rules of 2015 and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957.
The launch featured technical briefings from representatives of MECL, SBICAPs, and MSTC, who provided insights into the geological potential of the sites and the mechanics of the online bidding portal. Farida M. Naik, Joint Secretary and Designated Officer, urged potential investors to capitalize on the region’s mineral wealth to drive local socio-economic development. Interested parties can begin purchasing tender documents on May 18, 2026, with a pre-bid conference set for June 5. The deadline for document purchase is July 15, followed by the final bid submission cutoff on July 21, 2026.