Odisha to Launch Annual Mineral Auction Calendar to Boost Industrial Growth and Self-Reliance

State plans structured auctions of major and critical minerals to ensure raw material security for key industries

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is preparing to introduce an annual auction calendar for major, critical, and strategic minerals to ensure a consistent supply of raw materials for industries. The move is aimed at promoting value addition, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and supporting India’s goals in energy security, electric mobility, and digital growth.

The initiative is being led by the Directorate of Mines and Geology (DoMG), which has already identified mineral-rich blocks across several districts for inclusion in the proposed auction calendar.

Officials said many mineral block auctions in recent years failed to attract sufficient technically qualified bidders, leading to repeated cancellations and delays. To address this issue, the Ministry of Mines has advised all states to publish a fixed auction calendar that brings transparency and predictability to the process.

According to official sources, the poor response to auctions of major and critical minerals is mainly due to:

• Delays in statutory and environmental clearances
• High upfront investment costs
•  Limited or inadequate exploration data
• Uncertainty about long-term returns

An annual auction calendar with clear timelines is expected to reduce these uncertainties and encourage stronger participation from serious investors.

Clear Timelines to Speed Up Mine Operations

The proposed calendar will outline definite timelines for auctioning and operationalising mines, helping industries plan their investments in advance. This structured approach is also expected to improve coordination between government departments and speed up decision-making.

Officials believe the reform will help Odisha maintain its position as India’s leading mining state while also shifting focus toward value-added mineral-based industries instead of raw material exports.

To finalise the auction calendar, a high-level meeting will be held on January 3, chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Steel and Mines Department. The meeting will assess:

• Suitability of identified mineral blocks
• Status of geological exploration
• Readiness of blocks for auction

Based on these inputs, the final annual auction schedule will be prepared and published.

Major Mineral Blocks Identified Across Six Districts

The Directorate of Mines and Geology has identified 35 major mineral blocks with substantial deposits of key minerals, including:

• Bauxite
• Iron ore
•  Manganese
•  Dolomite
•  Limestone
•  Gold
•  Copper

These mineral-rich blocks are spread across Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur, Rayagada, and Kalahandi districts, regions that already play a crucial role in Odisha’s mining economy.

Focus on Critical and Strategic Minerals

In addition to major minerals, Odisha is also prioritising critical minerals, which are essential for clean energy technologies, electronics, and advanced manufacturing.

The DoMG has identified:

• Five graphite blocks in Rayagada and Kalahandi
• Vanadiferous magnetite and gold blocks in Mayurbhanj for composite licences
• Two rare earth element blocks in Kalahandi and Mayurbhanj for exploration licences
• Six critical mineral blocks proposed for mining leases

These resources are vital for batteries, renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and high-tech industries.

Supporting India’s Green and Digital Future

Officials said the annual auction calendar aligns with national priorities such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, clean energy transition, and digital infrastructure expansion. By ensuring reliable access to critical minerals, Odisha aims to attract downstream industries and become a hub for green manufacturing and advanced materials.

The structured auction system is also expected to increase investor confidence, reduce project delays, and generate employment in mineral-rich regions.

A Step Toward Sustainable Mining and Industrial Growth

With the proposed reforms, Odisha is looking to move beyond ad-hoc mineral auctions and adopt a long-term, transparent, and investor-friendly mining policy. Industry experts believe the annual auction calendar could become a model for other mineral-producing states.

If implemented effectively, the initiative could strengthen Odisha’s role in India’s industrial value chain while ensuring sustainable and responsible mineral development.