The Ministry of Mines organised a Roadshow on the 8th Tranche of Auction of Critical and Strategic Mineral Blocks in Patna today. The programme was attended by Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary as the Chief Guest; Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey; Minister of Mines and Geology, Government of Bihar, Dr. Pramod Kumar; and senior officials from the Ministry of Mines and the Government of Bihar. 

Addressing the gathering, Satish Chandra Dubey highlighted the strategic importance of critical minerals in powering emerging technologies, clean energy applications and key industries, making them vital to India’s long-term mineral security. He stressed the need to accelerate exploration and build robust domestic capabilities across the critical mineral value chain. He also highlighted the opportunities for investment and innovation in this sector, particularly in Bihar, and said that harnessing its mineral potential can contribute to the larger vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat and a Viksit Bharat.

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary highlighted Bihar’s significant mineral potential and emphasised the importance of Centre-State cooperation and private-sector participation in unlocking the State’s mineral resources and creating new avenues for investment and development. He assured investors of the State Government’s full support and cooperation and underlined its commitment to creating an investor-friendly, transparent and conducive business environment in Bihar. He said that the State Government is working to facilitate investment, promote sustainable mineral development and create a supportive ecosystem for investors, thereby positioning Bihar as an attractive destination for responsible mineral-based investment and development.

Sandeep Kadam, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines, in his opening address, highlighted the critical role of strategic minerals in India’s economic growth, energy security and industrial development. He said that the 8^th Tranche of Critical and Strategic Mineral Blocks presents significant opportunities to accelerate mineral exploration, attract investment and strengthen domestic mineral production.

The Secretary, Department of Mining, Government of Bihar, highlighted the State’s mineral potential and presented the opportunities offered by the mineral blocks from Bihar included in the latest tranche.

The 8th Tranche comprises 20 mineral blocks, including 3 Mining Lease and 17 Composite Licence blocks, covering a range of critical and strategic minerals including Graphite, Rare Earth Elements, Rare Metals, Vanadium, Gallium, Titanium, Molybdenum, Tungsten, Potash, Phosphorite and Glauconite.

Detailed sessions were held on the auction and exploration framework. MECL presented details of the mineral blocks, SBICAPS explained the auction process and tender document, while MSTC provided an overview of the e-auction process.

The programme also featured a presentation on the NMEDT Scheme, including partial reimbursement of exploration expenses for Composite Licence holders, followed by an open-house discussion with stakeholders.

The second half of the programme featured a technical workshop on “Mineral Exploration: Planning, Execution and Reporting”, covering India’s mineral exploration potential, the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR), preparation of exploration blocks and mineral exploration reports, with technical sessions by senior officers of the Geological Survey of India (GSI).

The roadshow reflects the Government’s continued commitment to accelerating mineral exploration, promoting private-sector participation and strengthening India’s critical mineral supply chains, contributing to the vision of a self-reliant and mineral-secure India.

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