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J&K Hosts First Historic Limestone Block Auction Launch

Jammu & Kashmir to Host Launch of First Limestone Block Auction Roadshow

Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy addressing an event, wearing a white shirt and cream shawl, with a microphone in the foreground and a blurred poster visible in the background.
Union Minister of Coal & Mines G. Kishan Reddy addresses the launch of the first-ever limestone mineral block auction in Jammu & Kashmir on November 24, 2025, aimed at boosting regional industrial growth.

Central and J&K Governments Collaborate to Advance Development under Viksit Bharat 2047

The first auction of limestone mineral blocks in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir will be launched in Jammu on November 24, 2025. The event will be led by Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal & Mines, and attended by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, highlighting cooperation between the Centre and the Union Territory and the relevance of this initiative for the region.

This development represents a key step in progressing the mining reforms introduced under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR Act) in 2015. It is also the first mining block auction to be held in the Union Territory since the reforms, indicating a move toward transparency, competitiveness, and sustainable practices in the mineral industry.

A total of seven limestone blocks covering about 314 hectares have been identified in the districts of Anantnag, Rajouri, and Poonch. Classified under UNFC G3 and G4 exploration stages, these deposits are considered to have potential for high-quality limestone used in cement manufacturing, construction, and other industrial sectors.

The auction will take place under subsections (4) and (5) of Section 11 of the MMDR Act, which permit the Central Government to oversee the process in circumstances where State or Union Territory administrations encounter procedural limitations. This mechanism aligns with the principles of cooperative federalism and supports timely implementation of reforms.

The Ministry of Mines aims to conduct a transparent, technology-driven, and competitive auction procedure with an emphasis on sustainable mining consistent with national environmental guidelines.

The initiative is anticipated to support employment generation, revenue enhancement, industrial growth, and additional economic prospects for local communities, contributing to Jammu & Kashmir’s development and the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

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