Bhubaneswar: Odisha has emerged as the frontrunner in India’s mining sector reforms, operationalising the highest number of auctioned mineral blocks as the country crossed a significant landmark of 101 blocks brought into production since the auction regime began 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 with 18 blocks and Gujarat with 11 blocks. 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.
Record Momentum in Auctions
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.
Rich Mix of Critical Minerals
The 101 operational blocks span a diverse range of minerals vital for industrial growth. Iron Ore leads with 47 blocks, followed by Limestone (29 blocks), 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.
