New Delhi, Nov 23 (LatestNewsX) – The Ministry of Mines announced that on Monday, Jammu will host the Union Territory’s inaugural auction of limestone mineral blocks. The event will be chaired by G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, and will see the presence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, underscoring a solid Centre‑state partnership and the project’s strategic value to the region.
This marks a pivotal moment in the implementation of the 2015 Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act reforms. “It is also the first mining block auction taking place in the Union Territory since these reforms, signalling a shift toward transparency, competitiveness, and sustainable development in the mineral sector,” the Ministry said.
A total of seven limestone blocks, amounting to roughly 314 hectares, have been earmarked in the districts of Anantnag, Rajouri and Poonch. Classified under UNFC G3 and G4 exploration stages, these reserves hold substantial promise for high‑grade limestone, essential for cement manufacturing, construction and other industrial uses.
The auction will be carried out in accordance with Subsections (4) and (5) of Section 11 of the MMDR Act, allowing the Central government to step in if state or Union Territory authorities encounter procedural hurdles. This method exemplifies cooperative federalism, ensuring swift implementation and effective reform execution.
The Ministry remains committed to conducting a transparent, tech‑enabled, and competitive bidding process, with a strong emphasis on sustainable mining that aligns with national environmental standards. “This initiative is expected to pave the way for job creation, revenue growth, industrial expansion, and new economic opportunities for local communities – advancing Jammu and Kashmir’s development trajectory and contributing to the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047,” the Ministry added.
aps/khz
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