India Completes Auction of 10 Critical Mineral Blocks, Including First-Ever Potash Mine
India has achieved a significant milestone in its journey toward mineral self-reliance, with the successful auction of 10 critical and strategic mineral blocks in the fifth phase of its mineral auction programme. Conducted by the Ministry of Mines, the latest round began on January 28, 2025, and marks the country’s growing momentum in harnessing key mineral resources vital for clean energy and high-tech sectors.
Out of the 15 blocks offered for bidding, 10 were successfully auctioned. These include high-value deposits such as graphite in Odisha, phosphorite, phosphate, rare earth elements (REEs), vanadium, halite, and India’s first potash block—auctioned in Rajasthan. Other mineral-rich states involved in this phase include Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha.
The auction of the country’s first potash block is being hailed as a landmark development. Potash, a vital component in fertilizer production, has traditionally been imported in large quantities. With this move, India takes a crucial step toward reducing fertilizer import dependency and strengthening agricultural supply chains.
With this tranche, the total number of critical mineral blocks auctioned has now risen to 34. The government has identified 55 such blocks under its long-term strategy to secure essential resources for India’s energy transition, electronics, defense, and manufacturing industries.
This auction phase also marked the debut of strategic mineral block bidding in Rajasthan, further widening India’s mineral development landscape.
To institutionalize the effort, the Ministry of Mines has launched the National Critical Mineral Mission, which aims to scale up exploration, streamline regulatory processes, and ensure long-term supply security. The mission is positioned as a cornerstone of the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision.
Officials reiterated the need for active private and public sector collaboration not just in bidding for mineral blocks but also in creating robust downstream processing and manufacturing capabilities.
With consistent auctions, policy backing, and an industry-focused roadmap, India is emerging as a strategic hub in the global critical mineral supply chain. The current momentum is expected to accelerate investments, innovation, and domestic capabilities in a sector that is pivotal to the country’s future economic and technological resilience.
