Centre to Auction 12 Limestone Blocks in J&K to Spur Industrial Growth

The Ministry of Mines will launch the second tranche of limestone block auctions in Jammu and Kashmir on May 12, in a move aimed at accelerating industrial development and unlocking the Union Territory’s mineral potential.

A total of 12 limestone blocks located across Anantnag, Rajouri and Poonch will be offered through a transparent digital e-auction process. The blocks include both newly identified mining areas and those being re-auctioned after earlier rounds did not receive successful bids.

The launch event will be held in Srinagar in the presence of senior officials from the Centre and the Union Territory administration, including Piyush Goyal and Ashwani Kumar.

According to officials, the limestone reserves are vital for sectors such as cement, construction and infrastructure. The mineral blocks fall under the UNFC G3 and G4 exploration categories, indicating promising geological potential and commercially viable deposits.

The auction process will take place in multiple stages. After geological surveys identify mineral-rich areas, the government releases detailed tender documents containing maps, mineral estimates and eligibility conditions. Interested companies from mining, cement and infrastructure sectors must then register on the e-auction portal, submit financial and technical documents, and deposit bid security amounts.

Following technical scrutiny by authorities, eligible bidders will participate in online financial bidding. Companies generally compete by offering a revenue share or financial commitment to the government, with the highest qualified bidder securing mining rights.

After the auction, the selected bidder will receive a Letter of Intent and must obtain environmental and statutory clearances before signing a mining lease agreement and beginning operations.

Officials said the digital auction system has been designed to ensure transparency, competitive pricing and efficient resource allocation while minimising irregularities.

The Ministry said the successful operationalisation of these limestone blocks is expected to generate revenue, create employment opportunities, strengthen industrial activity and contribute to inclusive economic development in the Union Territory.

The initiative is also being linked to the Centre’s broader vision of “Viksit Bharat” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, aimed at strengthening domestic industrial capacity and reducing dependence on imports.

India’s Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, heads the ministry overseeing mineral development and mining policy across the country.