Published: 25 March 2026PIBGovernance
Government Successfully Auctions 22 Critical Mineral Blocks in FY 2025-26
In a major achievement for India's mineral security, the government has successfully completed the auction of 22 Critical Mineral blocks during the financial year 2025-26. This initiative is part of India's broader strategy to reduce dependence on imports of critical minerals that are essential for sectors like electronics, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and defence.
Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, graphite, and nickel are vital for manufacturing batteries, semiconductors, and advanced electronics. India currently imports a significant portion of these minerals, making domestic exploration and mining a strategic priority.
The auction of these blocks is expected to boost domestic production, create employment opportunities in mining regions, and strengthen India's supply chain resilience. The government has also been actively pursuing overseas mineral assets through agreements with countries like Australia, Argentina, and Chile.
Separately, the Ministry of Ayush has launched the 'Yoga 365' campaign, aimed at establishing yoga as a consistent daily practice among citizens rather than just a once-a-year activity on International Yoga Day. The campaign encourages Indians to adopt yoga as part of their daily wellness routine throughout the year.
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Q: Discuss the significance of auctioning 22 Critical Mineral blocks in FY 2025-26 for India's mineral security and clean-energy transition.
Answer (50 words):
The government auctioned 22 Critical Mineral blocks in FY 2025-26 covering lithium, cobalt, rare earths, graphite and nickel, reducing import dependence for batteries, semiconductors and defence. Complemented by overseas acquisitions in Australia, Argentina and Chile, the move strengthens supply-chain resilience, boosts domestic exploration and anchors India's electric-vehicle and renewable-energy ambitions.
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Linked questionEasy
How many Critical Mineral blocks has the Government of India successfully auctioned during FY 2025-26?
Explanation · Correct answer DThe government successfully auctioned 22 critical mineral blocks in FY 2025-26, reflecting a focus on minerals of strategic importance for long-term resource security.
Frequently asked questions
How many critical mineral blocks did the government auction in 2025-26?
The government successfully completed the auction of 22 critical mineral blocks during the financial year 2025-26. The article describes this as a major achievement for India's mineral security.
Why is the auction of critical mineral blocks important for India?
The initiative is part of India's strategy to reduce import dependence on minerals essential for electronics, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and defence. Domestic exploration and mining are described as a strategic priority because India imports a significant portion of these minerals.
Which critical minerals and manufacturing uses are named in the article?
The article names lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, graphite, and nickel as critical minerals. It says they are vital for manufacturing batteries, semiconductors, and advanced electronics.
What does the article say about overseas mineral assets and Yoga 365?
The government has been pursuing overseas mineral assets through agreements with countries like Australia, Argentina, and Chile. Separately, the Ministry of Ayush launched the Yoga 365 campaign to promote yoga as a daily wellness routine throughout the year.
