What happened?
On March 13, 2025, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy launched India’s first auction for Exploration Licences (ELs) for critical minerals in Dona Paula, Goa. The auction includes 13 exploration blocks across Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Karnataka, covering minerals such as rare earth elements (REEs), zinc, copper, diamonds, and platinum group elements (PGEs). This initiative follows the 2023 amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR), allowing greater private sector participation in mineral exploration and production.
Why it matters to India
India currently imports most of its critical minerals, which are essential for electronics, renewable energy, and defence. By enabling private sector participation in exploration, India aims to reduce import dependency, boost self-reliance, and position itself as a global hub for mineral processing and manufacturing. This auction aligns with India’s broader efforts to secure supply chains, strengthen economic security, and accelerate green energy transitions.
