Srinagar: The Ministry of Mines, Government of India, on Tuesday launched the second tranche of e-auction of limestone blocks in Jammu and Kashmir at Srinagar, marking another major step towards mineral development in the Union Territory.
Piyush Goyal, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, formally launched the tranche and highlighted the reforms and amendments introduced by the ministry to simplify procedures, improve transparency and strengthen ease of doing business in the mining sector.
He said Jammu and Kashmir possesses vast mineral potential and the auction as well as operationalisation of these blocks would contribute significantly towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, Viksit Jammu and Kashmir and Aatmanirbhar Bharat through industrial growth, employment generation and economic development.
Under Tranche-II, a total of 12 limestone blocks located across Anantnag, Rajouri and Poonch districts have been put up for auction.
Officials said the blocks include both newly identified sites and blocks being re-auctioned under second attempt in accordance with provisions of the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015, as amended.
The limestone blocks are categorised under G3 and G4 stages of the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC) and are expected to attract strong interest from cement and infrastructure sectors.
The first-attempt blocks include Kalindange Limestone Block, Naubug-Halan Limestone Block and Sop Limestone Block in Anantnag district, besides Dharamora Limestone Block and Faislabad Limestone Block in Poonch district.
The second-attempt blocks include Dooru Shahabad Limestone Block, Koot-Kapran Limestone Block and Wantrag Limestone Block in Anantnag district, Rajpura Limestone Block in Poonch district, and Darhal-Chittibatti Limestone Block, Khablian-Bharot-Danna Limestone Block and Lah Limestone Block-E in Rajouri district.
The auction process is being conducted under the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015.
Officials said the initiative builds upon the momentum of the first tranche and aims to ensure optimal utilisation of mineral resources while enhancing investor confidence and participation.
During the technical session, officials from MECL, SBICAPs and MSTC gave detailed presentations regarding geological potential, auction procedures and the online bidding process.
Srikant Sharma presented details regarding the geological and mineral potential of the 12 limestone blocks, while Pratin Sharma explained the auction framework and tender process.
Keshav Arora demonstrated the e-auction portal and online bidding process for participants.
During the event, Farida M Naik, Joint Secretary and Designated Officer, Ministry of Mines, encouraged bidders to explore the mining potential of Jammu and Kashmir and highlighted its importance in promoting economic growth, employment generation and socio-economic development.
According to officials, sale of tender documents will commence from May 18, 2026, while the pre-bid conference is scheduled for June 5, 2026.
The last date for purchase of tender documents has been fixed as July 15, 2026, while bids can be submitted till July 21, 2026.
