The first-ever auction of limestone mineral blocks in Jammu and Kashmir will be formally launched in Jammu on Monday. The event will be led by Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy. Chief Minister Omar Abdulla and his Deputy Surinder Kumar Choudhary will also be present on the occasion. Ministry of Mines has said, this reflects strong Centre-State partnership and the strategic importance of this initiative for the region. It said, this milestone marks a significant step in advancing the mining reforms introduced under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act in 2015. It is also the first mining block auction taking place in the Union Territory since these reforms.
A total of seven limestone blocks, covering approximately 314 hectares, have been identified across the districts of Anantnag, Rajouri, and Poonch. These deposits hold considerable potential for high-quality limestone critical to cement manufacturing, construction, and other industrial applications.
