Jammu & Kashmir’s Limestone Auctions Signal New Industrial Push
By Suman Munshi, Chief Editor, IBG NEWS
The Government of India is preparing to launch the second tranche of limestone block auctions in Jammu & Kashmir on May 12, 2026, in Srinagar, marking another important step toward industrial expansion and economic transformation in the Union Territory.
Led by the Ministry of Mines in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Government, the initiative is expected to strengthen the region’s mineral economy while supporting the broader national vision of Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The move follows the successful beginning of mineral block auctions in the UT and reflects growing confidence in Jammu & Kashmir’s industrial potential.
Under the second phase, 12 limestone blocks across the districts of Anantnag, Rajouri, and Poonch will be offered for auction. The package includes both newly identified mineral blocks and those being re-auctioned under a second-attempt process, demonstrating the government’s determination to ensure effective utilization of natural resources and continued investor participation.
The launch event in Srinagar will witness the presence of senior officials from the Centre and the Union Territory administration. Shri Piyush Goyal, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, will attend the programme along with Shri Ashwani Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary of Jammu & Kashmir, and other senior officials. Their participation highlights a coordinated effort to accelerate industrial development and infrastructure growth in the region.
According to officials, the limestone reserves fall under the UNFC G3 and G4 exploration categories, indicating strong geological prospects and substantial industrial-grade deposits. Limestone remains a vital raw material for industries such as cement manufacturing, construction, and large-scale infrastructure development, making these blocks strategically important for future industrial investment.
The auction process will be conducted under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, along with the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015, as amended. Authorities have emphasized that the bidding process will be fully transparent and conducted through a digital e-auction platform aligned with modern global standards.
The Ministry of Mines has reiterated its commitment toward scientific and sustainable mining practices. Once operationalized, these limestone blocks are expected to generate revenue, create employment opportunities, attract industrial investment, and contribute significantly to inclusive economic development in Jammu & Kashmir.
For Jammu & Kashmir, the expansion of mineral-based industries could emerge as a major driver of long-term economic stability, infrastructure growth, and regional employment generation in the coming years.
— Suman Munshi,Chief Editor, IBG NEWS with inputs from PIB Delhi
***The map of Jammu & Kashmir in the sample photo is just for old reference, not for administrative purposes. This is not a political map, but a geographic area including Ladakh***
