101 Auctioned Mineral Blocks Now Operational Since 2015

101 auctioned mineral blocks now operational

Battle Brief

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.

Fact File

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

In the news

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.

Back Story

When did mineral auctions start?

The auction regime for mineral blocks was introduced in 2015 for transparent and competitive allocation of mineral resources.

Why examiners care

Why does operational auctioned mineral blocks matter?

Economy: Raw material for steel, cement and aluminium.
Federal: States run auctions and clearances.

Exam Radar

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

GS-III Distribution of key natural resources; location of industries

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 point
101 mineral blocks auctioned since the 2015 auction regime have become operational.
PIB: Mines: 101 blocks operational, 7 May 2026

Practice MCQs

Original practice questions (not PYQs).

Practice · UPSC

Which State leads in operational auctioned mineral blocks (May 2026)?

Answer (b) & explanation

PIB (Mines), 7 May 2026.

Quick questions

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.