In a significant move, Telangana has joined India’s mineral auction regime, with the auction of two limestone blocks at Sultanpur and Saidulnama in November. These blocks, essential for cement manufacturing, were auctioned to NCL Industries and Deccan Cement. This marks the state’s entry into the Centre’s mineral auction system, making it the 14th state to participate. The Centre had earlier urged Telangana to auction 11 limestone blocks, with a deadline set for the first phase; failure to comply would have led the Centre to conduct the auction itself.
Key Developments
State’s Entry into the Auction Regime: Telangana’s inclusion in the mineral auction regime reflects its commitment to boosting mineral production and meeting the rising demand in industries like cement manufacturing.
Auction of Two Limestone Blocks: Sultanpur and Saidulnama limestone blocks were auctioned to major players in the cement industry, with more blocks expected to follow soon.
Collaboration with Centre: The Centre had written to Telangana’s government, led by A Revanth Reddy, to conduct auctions for critical minerals. Talks are ongoing to bring the state on board for auctions of critical minerals as well.
Wider Context
Progress of Auctions Across India: The Ministry of Mines reports that 81 mineral block auctions have occurred in FY25, with states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh actively participating.
Diverse Mineral Auctions: Auctions have included minerals like limestone, manganese, tungsten, iron ore, cobalt, and bauxite. Major companies such as Vedanta, Hindustan Zinc, and Ambuja Cements have emerged as winners in these auctions.
Challenges and Objections
Objections in Tamil Nadu: In Tamil Nadu, a tungsten block auction in Nayakkarpatti faced objections due to concerns over biodiversity reserves. However, it was clarified that the mining activities avoid areas designated as biodiversity sites. The Hindustan Zinc company secured the block last month.
Summery of the news
| Why in News | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Telangana joins India’s mineral auction regime | Telangana became the 14th state to participate in India’s mineral auction regime. |
| Limestone blocks auctioned | Two limestone blocks at Sultanpur and Saidulnama auctioned in November. |
| Winning companies | NCL Industries and Deccan Cement won the auction for the two limestone blocks. |
| Auction details | The limestone blocks are critical for cement manufacturing. |
| More blocks likely to be auctioned | Additional limestone blocks may be put up for auction soon. |
| Centre’s involvement | The Centre urged Telangana to auction 11 limestone blocks and other critical minerals, with talks ongoing for more auctions. |
| Mineral auction progress | 81 mineral block auctions held in FY25 across 13 other states, including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. |
| Key mineral types auctioned | Limestone, manganese, tungsten, gold, cobalt, bauxite, iron ore, and graphite among others. |
| Relevant companies from past auctions | Vedanta, Hindustan Zinc, Oil India, JK Cement, Ambuja Cements, Dalmia Bharat, JSW Steel, Star Cement, Nuvoco Vistas, etc. |
| Tamil Nadu’s tungsten block issue | In Tamil Nadu, Hindustan Zinc won the Nayakkarpatti tungsten block amid objections about biodiversity reserve land. |
| Telangana CM | A Revanth Reddy |
| Telangana Capital | Hyderabad |
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