Srinagar, Nov 23 (KNS): In a major industrial push, the Union government will on Monday launch the first-ever auction of mineral blocks in Jammu & Kashmir, with seven limestone deposits set to go under the hammer.

The Ministry of Mines said the move marks the first mining block auction in the Union Territory since the latest reforms, signalling a shift towards a more transparent and competitive mineral sector focused on sustainable development.

Spread across Anantnag, Rajouri and Poonch districts, the blocks together cover around 314 hectares. Officials say these deposits have strong potential for high-grade limestone used in cement production, infrastructure development, and other industrial processes.

The deposits fall under the G3 and G4 exploration categories representing early stages of mineral assessment.

The G4 stage involves regional surveys such as geological mapping and remote sensing to identify areas with possible mineral presence, while G3 includes detailed investigations to pinpoint specific resource-bearing sites.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The formal auction process will begin on November 24, 2025, in Jammu, and will be led by Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy.

The bidding will take place under Sub-sections (4) and (5) of Section 11 of the MMDR Act, allowing the Central Government to directly facilitate auctions in cases where state or UT authorities face procedural hurdles. Officials said this approach reflects cooperative federalism and ensures that crucial reforms are implemented without delay.

The ministry reiterated that the auction will be technology-driven, transparent and competitive, with a strong emphasis on environmentally responsible mining in line with national standards.

The initiative is expected to generate employment, boost state revenues, attract investment, and open new economic avenues for local populations, contributing both to the Union Territory’s development and the country’s long-term goals under Viksit Bharat 2047.(KNS)