India Mulls Tightening Mineral Rights Auction Policy to Boost Mining Output

Published: Jan 30, 2026 10:15

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Two informed sources revealed that to accelerate mining production, India is considering tightening its mineral rights auction policy to exclude mining enterprises that fail to apply for mining permits long after winning the auction.

Official data show that since 2015, the Indian government has auctioned 594 mineral blocks, of which only 82 are in production, accounting for less than 14%.

Sources said an internal government audit found that over the past five years, about 50 enterprises had not commenced mining after acquiring blocks, with some even failing to apply for mining permits.

The two informed sources declined to be named as they were not authorized to speak. The Indian Ministry of Mines also did not respond to an email request for comment.

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