Government launches 8th tranche of critical mineral block auctions
Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy launched the eighth tranche of the auction of critical and strategic mineral blocks on 15 July 2026, at the curtain-raiser for India Mining Week 2026. The tranche offers 20 blocks across nine states (13 newly identified and 7 re-offered), covering minerals such as graphite, tungsten, titanium, phosphorite and potash. The government also outlined a roadmap for a coal exchange.
Key Facts & Details
7 points- 1The Centre launched the 8th tranche of critical and strategic mineral block auctions.
- 2It offers 20 blocks across nine states (13 new + 7 re-offered).
- 3Minerals include graphite, tungsten, titanium, phosphorite and potash.
- 4It was launched by Coal & Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy at India Mining Week 2026.
- 5The government also outlined plans for a coal exchange.
Deep Dive
- +Critical minerals are vital for clean energy, EVs, defence and advanced manufacturing.
- +The auctions aim to reduce India's import dependence for strategic raw materials.
Exam Focus
How many blocks are offered in the 8th tranche of critical mineral auctions launched in July 2026?
Related Topics
Exam Relevance & Angle
Critical mineral auctions (tranche + count + minerals) are testable economy/resource-security GA items.
Target Exams
Background & Context
India has been auctioning critical mineral blocks in successive tranches to secure supplies for the energy transition.
Test Yourself
1 / 1The 8th tranche of critical and strategic mineral auctions launched in July 2026 offered how many blocks?
Source
This topic is important for:
