Secretary, Piyush Goyal, Reviews Progress of Mineral Operationalisation

Piyush Goyal, Secretary, Ministry of Mines today chaired the 9th monthly Review Meeting with senior officials of the Ministry and Category-A mineral bearing States to review the progress of mineral block auctions and operationalisation across the country. The meeting focused on accelerating reforms in the mining sector, enhancing domestic mineral production, and ensuring timely operationalisation of auctioned mineral blocks.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that since the introduction of the auction regime in 2015, a total of 108 mineral blocks were successfully auctioned during the period from FY 2015-16 to FY 2020-21. The pace of auctions witnessed a significant increase thereafter, with 364 mineral blocks successfully auctioned between FY 2021-22 to FY 2024-25, averaging about 90 blocks per year.

Secretary, Mines emphasized the need for close coordination between the Central Government and State Governments to expedite statutory clearances, facilitate early commencement of mining operations, and ensure timely production from auctioned blocks. He also underscored the importance of critical mineral development in achieving the vision of of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and strengthening India’s mineral security.(UPDATED ON 25TH MAY 2026)