Successful Auction of 303 Minor Mineral Blocks Spanning Over 709 Hectares, Generating ₹374 Crore Revenue

Rajasthan Leads the Nation in Major Mineral Block Auctions – Sets New Record in Minor Mineral Block Auctions

Jaipur : Principal Secretary of Mines and Petroleum, Mr. T. Ravikant, announced that by November 13, 2024, a total of 303 minor mineral blocks have been successfully e-auctioned in Rajasthan during the financial year 2024-25. This auction will generate revenue of ₹374.98 crore in three installments as a premium for the state government. The first installment, amounting to 40% of the premium, has already provided ₹149.99 crore to the state.

Mr. Ravikant stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister and Mines Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Rajasthan has secured the top position in India by successfully auctioning 34 major mineral blocks through the Government of India’s e-portal. The department, under the CM’s guidance, is focusing on preparing and auctioning as many major and minor mineral blocks as possible to curb illegal mining, promote legitimate mining, and boost revenue and employment.

He explained that minor minerals include marble, granite, sandstone, soapstone, calcite, clay, red ochre, and quartz-feldspar, among others. In the current financial year, 303 blocks covering over 709 hectares have been successfully auctioned via the e-portal. The auction process for 120 minor mineral blocks spanning 190 hectares is ongoing, while preparations for auctioning over 250 additional blocks are in the final stages.

Mines Director Bhagwati Prasad Kalal highlighted that the highest number of 422 minor mineral blocks were auctioned in 2021-22 over the last eight years. This year, the department initiated a roadmap to prepare and auction minor mineral blocks, aiming to set a new record comparable to the major mineral block auctions.

Mr. Kalal also emphasized that apart from premium amounts, the state government will earn additional revenue through royalties, DMFT, and RSMET contributions. This will create new opportunities for local-level employment and revenue generation across the state. Preparations are also underway to auction new minor mineral blocks.

SME Auction Officer for Minor Minerals, Mr. Kamleshwar Baregama, added that 27 quarry licenses for minor minerals covering 23.76 hectares have also been auctioned. This will yield ₹4.33 crore in premium payments to the state government in three installments.