Jammu and Kashmir has recorded its first successful auction of mineral blocks, with two limestone blocks in Anantnag district awarded through the Ministry of Mines’ central mineral auction process.The Koot-Kapran and Wantrag limestone blocks were successfully auctioned, marking a new phase of organised mineral development in the Union Territory. The development was reported on October 2, 2026.Key HighlightsFirst successful mineral block auctions held in J&KTwo limestone blocks in Anantnag were auctionedKoot-Kapran block has 4.75 million tonnes of estimated resourcesWantrag block has 10.853 million tonnes of estimated resourcesAuctions were conducted through the Ministry of MinesDevelopment is expected to support investment and industrial activityTwo Limestone Blocks Auctioned in AnantnagThe Koot-Kapran limestone block is spread across 22.43 hectares and has estimated limestone resources of 4.75 million tonnes. The block has been explored up to the G-4 stage.The second block, Wantrag, covers 5.36 hectares and has estimated resources of 10.853 million tonnes. It has undergone G-3 level exploration, including 159 metres of drilling.Both blocks are located in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district and were auctioned through the central government’s mineral auction framework.First Major Milestone for J&K Mining SectorThe successful auction marks an important step in bringing Jammu and Kashmir’s mineral resources into the national competitive bidding system.The Ministry of Mines said the transparent and competitive auction mechanism is aimed at enabling systematic development of mineral resources. The successful development of the blocks is also expected to attract investment and support related industrial value chains.The limestone resources can support industries such as cement, construction and infrastructure, where limestone is an important raw material.Expected Economic and Employment OpportunitiesOfficials said the development of the mineral blocks could generate direct and indirect employment opportunities while creating business opportunities for local entrepreneurs, service providers and allied industries.The move comes after the Ministry of Mines launched the first-ever auction process for limestone blocks in J&K in November 2025. At that stage, seven limestone blocks across Anantnag, Rajouri and Poonch were put up for auction, covering around 314 hectares.A second tranche involving 12 limestone blocks was also launched in May 2026, covering Anantnag, Rajouri and Poonch. The government said the auctions were intended to promote scientific and sustainable mining while generating revenue and employment.The latest successful auctions of the Koot-Kapran and Wantrag blocks represent a further step in the development of J&K’s organised mineral sector.
