The eastern Indian state of Odisha has announced plans to auction 35 mineral blocks next year, reinforcing its role as one of the country’s most important mineral-rich regions. The move is aimed at ensuring long-term raw material security for key industries such as steel, mining and infrastructure.
According to the state’s Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG), the proposed mineral blocks will be included in the annual mineral auction calendar and reviewed in detail at a high-level meeting scheduled for early January 2026. The final auction timeline will be confirmed once the readiness and exploration status of each block are assessed.
The list includes deposits of iron ore, bauxite, limestone, manganese and dolomite, all of which are critical inputs for the steel and construction sectors. In addition, Odisha has also identified a copper block and a gold deposit, with the Jaldiha gold block in Keonjhar district already explored up to the G2 level, indicating relatively advanced geological evaluation.
Several of the mineral blocks earmarked for auction are previously mined areas with expired leases, such as the Tehrai iron ore–manganese block and the Suleipat block, which could allow for faster redevelopment and production restart once new operators are selected.
Beyond traditional minerals, the state is also expected to propose critical and strategic mineral blocks—including materials essential for clean energy and advanced manufacturing—under frameworks coordinated with the central government. This aligns with India’s broader push to reduce import dependence and strengthen domestic supply chains for future-oriented industries.
Officials noted that the auction plan follows directives from the Ministry of Mines to improve transparency, predictability and investor confidence in the mineral allocation process. By systematically preparing auction-ready blocks, Odisha aims to attract serious long-term investors while supporting sustainable industrial growth.
Overall, the planned auctions are expected to boost mining activity, secure raw material availability for steelmakers, and further solidify Odisha’s position as a key pillar of India’s mineral and industrial ecosystem.
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