India’s central government has started the seventh round of auctions for important and crucial mineral blocks. They are offering 19 blocks to help the country become more self-sufficient in these important resources. This program aims at minerals that are important for clean energy and sophisticated technology, building on previous successful rounds.
Auction Overview
The roadshow for Coal and Mines 7th tranche was launched by Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy in Hyderabad on April 13, 2026 after introduction on March 23, 2026. Auctions are conducted using an online two-stage ascending system for mining leases and composite licences, by which the winners are determined according to the highest percentage of mineral dispatch value.
The previous six tranches brought one 46 blocks to auction and attracted interest from the industry, while last year’s amendment of the MMDR Act of 1957 that alerted to critical minerals in India also boosted the momentum.
Key Minerals Offered
Some of the elements in blocks are rare earth elements (REE), tungsten, lithium, graphite, vanadium, titanium, glauconite, and rock phosphate. These support clean energy technology, innovative manufacturing, fertilizers, and vital sectors in the face of global supply challenges.
States Involved
The 19 blocks are spread out over 10 states: Bihar (4), Chhattisgarh (3), Odisha (3), Rajasthan (2), Telangana (2), and one each in Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
Strategic Impact
The goal is Viksit Bharat by 2047, and steps like not charging import taxes on 24 minerals and setting up District Mineral Foundations will help 656 districts.
Bids are made using the MSTC platform, which encourages private participation and protects resources.