Bhubaneswar: Odisha has strengthened its position as the frontrunner in India’s mining sector reforms by operationalising the highest number of auctioned mineral blocks. The achievement coincides with the country crossing a key milestone of 101 auctioned mineral blocks commencing production since the auction regime was introduced in 2015.
According to the Ministry of Mines, the operationalisation of these 101 blocks highlights the success of transparent mineral allocation and close Centre-State coordination in turning auctioned resources into active production.
Among the states, Odisha leads with 34 operationalised blocks, followed by Karnataka (18) and Gujarat (11). Other contributing states include Madhya Pradesh (10), Rajasthan (8), Goa (6), Andhra Pradesh (5), Chhattisgarh (5), Maharashtra (3), and Assam (1).
This achievement aligns with the Ministry’s sustained push to not only auction mineral blocks but also ensure swift clearances, approvals, and resolution of implementation hurdles. The collaborative approach between the Centre and states has accelerated the journey from allocation to actual mining operations.
The momentum has been particularly strong in recent times. Financial Year 2025–26 witnessed a record 212 mineral blocks auctioned in a single year, reflecting growing investor confidence in India’s reformed mining framework.The operationalised blocks are playing a key role in boosting domestic mineral production, securing raw material supplies for core industries, reducing import dependence, and supporting broader economic growth targets under Viksit Bharat 2047 and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The 101 operational blocks span a diverse range of minerals vital for industrial growth. Iron Ore leads with 47 blocks, followed by Limestone (29), along with significant contributions from Bauxite, Manganese Ore, Chromite, and other associated minerals. These resources are critical for sectors such as steel, cement, aluminium, and infrastructure development.
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