101 auctioned mineral blocks now operational
The Ministry of Mines said on 7 May 2026 that 101 mineral blocks auctioned since the auction regime began in 2015 are now operational. Odisha leads with 34, followed by Karnataka (18) and Gujarat (11). Iron ore accounts for 47 blocks and limestone 29. FY 2025-26 set a record with 212 blocks auctioned in one year.
- Operational blocks
- 101 (since 2015)
- Record year
- 212 blocks auctioned in FY 2025-26
- Top States
- Odisha 34; Karnataka 18; Gujarat 11; MP 10; Rajasthan 8
- Minerals
- iron ore 47; limestone 29; also bauxite, manganese, chromite
- Fastest
- Assam operationalised a block within nine months of LoI
Operational auctioned mineral blocks: what happened?
Auctioning a mine is only step one. It must then get clearances and start producing. This count shows how many auctioned blocks have actually reached production.
- Other States: Goa 6, Andhra Pradesh 5, Chhattisgarh 5, Maharashtra 3, Assam 1.
- The Ministry credits Centre–State coordination on statutory clearances.
When did mineral auctions start?
- The auction regime for mineral blocks was introduced in 2015 for transparent and competitive allocation of mineral resources.
Why does operational auctioned mineral blocks matter?
- Economy: Raw material for steel, cement and aluminium.
- Federal: States run auctions and clearances.
What can Prelims ask on operational auctioned mineral blocks?
- 101 auctioned blocks operational; Odisha leads (34).
- FY 2025-26: record 212 blocks auctioned.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB (2026-05-07): 101 mineral blocks auctioned since the 2015 auction regime have become operational.
- The challenge is getting allocated blocks into production.
Quotable data point101 mineral blocks auctioned since the 2015 auction regime have become operational.
PIB: Mines: 101 blocks operational, 7 May 2026
Exam angle
Prelims: MMDR 2015.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
Which State leads in operational auctioned mineral blocks (May 2026)?
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB (Mines), 7 May 2026.
Questions students ask about this
How many auctioned mineral blocks are operational?
101, since the auction regime began in 2015.
Which State has the most?
Odisha, with 34.
Which mineral has the most operational blocks?
Iron ore, with 47.
Keep studying
Go deeper
Official source: PIB: Mines: 101 blocks operational, 7 May 2026
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending