The process of auction of Critical and strategic Minerals have been initiated by the Central Government for the first time in India.
The Central Government has amended the MMDR Act, 1957 through the MMDR Amendment Act, 2023.
Under this, 24 critical and strategic minerals have been inserted in the MMDR Act, 1957.
Further, the amended Act has also empowered Central Government to auction blocks of these minerals.
Revenue from auction of these blocks will accrue to the concerned State Governments.
They are located across Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
There are two lithium blocks — one in Jammu & Kashmir and the other in Chhattisgarh.
It is marking for the first time, the rights for mining lithium ore are auctioned to private parties.
Before commencing operations, the licensee must obtain 15 approvals and clearances, including forest and environmental clearances, Gram Sabha consent, and others.
As of now, India heavily depends on imports for lithium, nickel, and copper.