The third tranche of e-auction of critical and strategic minerals was launched by the Ministry of Mines on Thursday, March 14. A total of seven  critical mineral blocks are being put up for auction as composite license in this third tranche. 

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As per an official statement, these seven mineral blocks are auctioned under second attempt of auction as per sub-rule 10 and sub-rule 11(b) of rule 9 of Mineral (Auction) Rules 2015. 

The Ministry of has published the notice inviting tender (NIT) on MSTC e-auction portal and on the Ministry of Mines website. The blocks which have been notified under this tranche are those blocks which have received less than three bids in first tranche.

Critical minerals being auctioned

These seven blocks pertains to critical minerals like — 
1) Glauconite
2) Graphite
3) Nickel
4) PGE
5) Potash
6) Lithium
7) Titanium 

The mines are spread across the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir

Auctions so far

Till date, the Central Government has launched auction of a total of 38 Critical and Strategic Minerals. 

The first tranche consisted of 20 blocks and the second tranche consisted of 18 blocks.

Auction details

The date for commencement of sale of Tender Document for third tranche is March 20, 2024. 

The last date for purchase of Tender Document from e- auction platform MSTC is May 09, 2024 on or before 17:00 hours (Indian Standard Time) 

The last date for submission of the bid is May 14, 2024 on or before 17:00 hours (Indian Standard Time).

Details of the mines, auction terms, timelines etc. can be accessed on MSTC auction platform at www.mstcecommerce.com/auctionhome/mlcl/index.jsp. 

The auction will be held online through a transparent two stage ascending forward auction process. 

The eligible bidder shall be selected based on the highest percentage of the value of mineral despatched quoted by them.