Two mineral blocks in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir (UT) have been successfully auctioned through the Ministry of Mines under the Central Government’s Mineral Auction Process.
The successful auction marks an important step towards unlocking the Mineral Potential of Jammu & Kashmir and initiating a new phase of organised mineral development in the Union Territory.
The development comes as Jammu & Kashmir continues to witness greater focus on infrastructure, investment and economic development following the abrogation of Article 370.
“The completion of a successful auction reflects the use of a transparent and competitive mineral auction process for the systematic development of mineral resources,” officials said.
According to officials, the limestone block at Koot and Kapran and the Wantrag lime stock block in south Kashmir were successfully auctioned.
They said the Koot–Kapran Limestone Block covers 22.43 hectares and has estimated limestone resources of 4.75 million tonnes.
The block, they said, has been explored up to the G-4 stage, providing scope for further detailed exploration and development.
As per officials, the Wantrag Limestone Block covers 5.36 hectares and has estimated limestone resources of 10.853 million tonnes.
The block has been explored up to the G-3 stage, including 159 metres of drilling, providing an important geological basis for further exploration and development.