Thirty Minerals Listed as Critical Minerals for India, List of Mineral blocks to be auctioned in Phase 1

New Delhi, 11th December 2023: The Ministry of Mines, Government of India following recommendations from a constituted committee, has identified 30 minerals as critical for India’s strategic interests. Among these, 24 minerals have been included in the list of critical and strategic minerals under Part D of Schedule 1 of the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act, 1957.

To ensure a consistent supply of these critical minerals to the domestic market, a joint venture company named Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) has been established. KABIL, with equity contributions from Central Public Sector Enterprises, is engaging with source countries through diplomatic channels to acquire mineral assets overseas, particularly focusing on critical and strategic minerals.

The Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act, 1957, has been amended through the MMDR Amendment Act, 2023, empowering the central government to auction critical and strategic mineral blocks. The first tranche of auctions for 20 blocks was launched on 29th November 2023.

Critical Mineral Blocks in India Notified for Auction- Phase 1

1. Chutia-Nauhatta Glauconite Block, Bihar – Glauconite
2. Pipradih-Bhurwa Glauconite Block, Bihar – Glauconite
3. Genjana Nickel, Chromium, and PGE Block, Bihar – Nickel, Chromium, and PGE
4. Kundol Nickel and Chromium Block, Gujarat – Nickel & Chromium
5. Muskaniya-Gareriatola-Barwari Potash Block, Jharkhand – Potash
6. Dudhiasol East Nickel and Copper Block, Odisha – Nickel and Copper
7. Babja Graphite and Manganese Block, Odisha – Graphite and Manganese
8. Biarapalli Graphite and Manganese Block, Odisha – Graphite and Manganese
9. Akharkata Graphite Block, Odisha – Graphite
10. Vellakal Central (Segment-A) Molybdenum Block, Tamil Nadu – Molybdenum Ore
11. Nochchipatti Molybdenum Block, Tamil Nadu – Molybdenum Ore
12. Velampatti North A & B Molybdenum Block, Tamil Nadu – Molybdenum Ore
13. Kurunjakulam Graphite Block, Tamil Nadu – Graphite
14. Iluppakudi Graphite Block, Tamil Nadu – Graphite
15. Mannadipatti Central Molybdenum Block, Tamil Nadu – Molybdenum
16. Marudipatti (Central) Molybdenum Block, Tamil Nadu – Molybdenum
17. Kurchha Glauconite Block, Uttar Pradesh – Glauconite
18. PahadiKalan – Gora Kalan Phosphorite Block, Uttar Pradesh – Phosphorite
19. Salal-Haimna Lithium, Titanium, and Bauxite (Aluminous Laterite) Block, UT: Jammu and Kashmir – Lithium, Titanium, and Bauxite (Aluminous Laterite)
20. Katghora Lithium and REE Block, Chhattisgarh – Lithium and Rare Earth Elements (REE)

Note- The above information is provided by the Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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