Jammu, Nov 25: Jammu and Kashmir holds almost one billion tonnes of limestone reserves, according to the Geological Survey of India (GSI), a senior Union Mines Ministry official said on Tuesday. The UT also has significant potential for other key minerals that the government plans to explore for regional development.
Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Mines Sanjay Lohiya said the Centre will fully support J&K’s mineral exploration push, as the UT joined India’s mineral auction landscape with the launch of its first limestone block e-auction and roadshow. Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary jointly inaugurated the e-auction of seven limestone blocks spanning 314 hectares in Anantnag, Rajouri and Poonch.
Lohiya said the Centre stepped in to assist J&K with the process as the UT had no prior experience with mineral block auctions, unlike other states that have auctioned nearly 600 blocks since the 2015 amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.
Highlighting the region’s growing cement demand, he said local production could significantly cut transportation costs. More limestone blocks will be auctioned in the second phase, which he said will transform the mining landscape, generate employment and boost industrial growth.
GSI has also discovered deposits of lithium, copper, titanium, iron, coal and gold in J&K, though their economic viability is still being assessed. The ministry urged the UT to support successful bidders and accelerate exploration of potential mineral zones.
Additional Chief Secretary Anil Kumar Singh said the first seven limestone block auctions are expected to generate about ₹500 crore in revenue and spur mineral-based industries and jobs. Another 24 blocks worth an estimated ₹1,500 crore will be auctioned by March next year.
He said J&K has introduced an Integrated Mining Surveillance System using satellite imaging to curb illegal mining, with full implementation expected by January 2026. Citizens will soon be able to file mining-related complaints via mobile apps.
J&K is also pursuing exploration of critical minerals such as lithium and sapphire for pre-auctioning next financial year, along with scientific assessment of graphite, granite, copper, metal and shallow gas reserves. The Ministry of Mines has recommended ₹100 crore assistance for command-and-control infrastructure and sustainable mining initiatives.
Singh added that the Mineral Exploration Trust is nearing finalisation to promote safe and scientific mineral development in the UT. (Agencies)
