The ministry of mines is organising a roadshow on the 8th tranche of auctions for critical and strategic mineral blocks along with a workshop on the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMEDT) in Patna, Bihar, on August 17. The initiative aims to attract investors, encourage private-sector participation and accelerate the exploration and development of minerals that are essential for India’s energy transition and strategic industries.
Twenty Critical Mineral Blocks on Offer
The 8th tranche of the auction comprises 20 mineral blocks, including three Mining Lease blocks and 17 Composite Licence blocks. The blocks cover a wide range of critical and strategic minerals, including: Graphite, Rare Earth Elements (REE), Rare metals, Vanadium, Gallium, Titanium, Molybdenum, Tungsten, Potash, Phosphorite and Glauconite. These minerals are increasingly important for clean energy technologies, advanced manufacturing, electronics and other strategic applications.
Roadshow to Highlight Investment Opportunities
The Patna roadshow will give prospective investors and industry stakeholders detailed information about the mineral potential of the blocks, the auction framework and the bidding process. In addition, the event will highlight investment opportunities in India’s critical and strategic minerals sector. The Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL) will present details of the mineral blocks, while SBICAPS will explain the mineral auction process and tender documents. MSTC will provide an overview of the e-auction process.
NMEDT Scheme to Support Exploration
The programme will also feature a presentation on the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMEDT) Scheme, which provides partial reimbursement of exploration expenses for Composite Licence holders. An open-house discussion will follow the presentations, allowing industry participants and other stakeholders to raise questions and seek clarification on the auction process.
Workshop to Strengthen Mineral Exploration
The second half of the programme will feature a workshop focused on mineral exploration planning, execution and reporting. The technical sessions will cover India’s mineral exploration potential, the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) and the use of NGDR to prepare exploration blocks. The workshop will also address the preparation of mineral exploration reports. Senior officers from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) will lead the technical sessions and share insights into exploration practices.
Strengthening India’s Mineral Security
The initiative reflects the government’s continued efforts to promote mineral exploration, accelerate the development of critical and strategic resources and increase private-sector participation. Furthermore, expanding domestic exploration can help strengthen India’s mineral security and reduce dependence on overseas supplies. As reported by newkerala.com, the initiative also supports the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by encouraging domestic exploration and development of minerals that are essential for emerging technologies, clean energy and other strategic sectors.
