Mineral Wealth Must Become a New Engine of Growth for Jammu & Kashmir: Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy
Ministry of Mines Launches First-Ever Auction of Limestone Blocks in the Union Territory
Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy, accompanied by Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mr. Omar Abdullah and Deputy Chief Minister Shri Surinder Kumar Choudhary, launched the first-ever auction process for limestone mineral blocks in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir during a dedicated launch programme and roadshow held in Jammu.
This initiative marks a key advancement in implementing the mining reforms introduced under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2015 and places Jammu and Kashmir among the States and Union Territories adopting a transparent and digital auction-based framework for mineral resource allocation.
Seven limestone blocks located in the districts of Anantnag, Rajouri, and Poonch were made available for auction. Classified under the G3 and G4 stages of the United Nations Framework Classification, these blocks span approximately 314 hectares and are expected to attract interest from industries, particularly in the cement and construction sectors.
The auction, conducted under subsections (4) and (5) of Section 11 of the MMDR Act, represents a notable step in utilizing the mineral resources of Jammu and Kashmir, which is entering the national competitive bidding system for the first time.
The limestone auction is aligned with the Central Government’s broader development initiatives for the Union Territory. Under the Prime Minister’s Industrial Development Scheme, Jammu and Kashmir is being promoted as an investment destination with a focus on employment generation and transparent industrial practices. Improvements in connectivity and infrastructure are supporting mining and related sectors. The auction process is expected to encourage local industry, create jobs, and contribute to the government’s goal of accelerating economic growth in the region.
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy described the auction as an important development for the region and reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring that mineral development contributes to employment, industrial progress, and long-term socio-economic gains for local communities.
Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah stated that the initiative will enhance investor confidence, broaden the region’s industrial landscape, and support opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship among the youth. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Surinder Kumar Choudhary extended his appreciation to stakeholders and acknowledged the joint efforts of the Centre and the Union Territory Government in advancing this reform.
During the roadshow, MECL provided technical and geological assessments of the blocks, SBI Capital Markets outlined the transactional structure, and MSTC demonstrated the e-auction system to ensure prospective bidders receive comprehensive guidance.
The sale of Tender Documents will commence on November 28, 2025, followed by the pre-bid conference on December 12, 2025. The last date for purchasing Tender Documents is January 19, 2026, and bids may be submitted until January 20, 2026 through the MSTC online auction platform.
This initiative reflects the Government of India’s commitment to transparency, technology-driven regulation, and sustainable resource utilization while supporting the vision of a self-reliant mineral sector and contributing to the national objective of Viksit Bharat 2047.