Telangana Joins Mineral Auction Regime, Auctions Limestone Blocks

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
Piyush Shukla

Recent Posts

National Safe Motherhood Day 2025, Date, Theme, Significance, Challenges

National Safe Motherhood Day, observed on April 11 every year in India, is a vital…

11 mins ago

World Parkinson’s Day 2025, Date, History, Symptoms

Every year on April 11, the world observes World Parkinson’s Day, a global initiative to…

27 mins ago

ADB Projected India Economy Grow By 6.7% in FY2025

India’s economy continues to demonstrate resilient growth despite global uncertainties. According to the Asian Development…

40 mins ago

First Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) Report Released – Gujarat & Telangana Lead

In a landmark initiative to evaluate and encourage grassroots governance, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj…

1 hour ago

Who is Tahawwur Hussain Rana? Know About Him

Tahawwur Hussain Rana is a Pakistani-Canadian man born on 12 January 1961 in Chichawatni, Punjabi,…

1 hour ago

Cabinet Approves Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM)

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved a new sub-scheme…

2 hours ago