India has auctioned 733 mineral blocks, but only 125 are operating

Only 125 of India's 733 auctioned mineral blocks were operating as of August 2026, while the rest were at different stages of clearance.

The blocks are spread across India, and the central government has shared its review with state governments.

Long delays and complex approvals are holding back production, with the time from an award to production exceeding seven years for major and critical mineral blocks.

India relies heavily on imports for critical minerals, and the government says supply-chain and technology constraints add to the problem.

The delays matter for energy security and economic growth, while mining also brings more than ₹1.9 lakh crore a year to government budgets, with 90% going directly to states.

The Centre is calling for stronger coordination between national and state governments and a plan that links mineral exploration, operating mines and processing.

It has also urged states to develop a framework to extract beach-sand minerals such as monazite, which can provide rare earth elements for new industries.