The Ministry of Mines, Government of India, is organizing a roadshow and workshop on August 17, 2026, in Patna, Bihar, to promote the 8th tranche of critical and strategic mineral block auctions. The event will be chaired by Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, with participation from Shri Samrat Choudhary, Chief Minister of Bihar, and Dr Pramod Kumar, Mines Minister of Bihar, along with senior officials from Ministry of Mines, Geological Survey of India, Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited, and industry representatives.
The 8th tranche comprises 20 mineral blocks, including 3 Mining Lease blocks and 17 Composite Licence blocks. The blocks contain critical and strategic minerals such as Graphite, Rare Earth Elements (REE), Rare Metals, Vanadium, Gallium, Titanium, Molybdenum, Tungsten, Potash, Phosphorite, and Glauconite.
The roadshow will provide investors with an overview of mineral potential, auction framework, bidding process, and investment opportunities. Detailed presentations will be made by MECL on mineral blocks, SBICAPS on the auction process and tender document, and MSTC on the e-auction process. The program also includes a presentation on the NMEDT Scheme for partial reimbursement of exploration expenses for Composite Licence holders, followed by an open-house discussion.
The second half features a Workshop on Mineral Exploration: Planning, Execution and Reporting, covering India's mineral exploration potential, the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR), preparation of exploration blocks using NGDR, and preparation of mineral exploration reports, with technical sessions by senior officers of the Geological Survey of India.
This initiative supports the government's efforts to promote exploration, accelerate development of critical mineral resources, enhance private-sector participation, and strengthen India's mineral security under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision for minerals essential for emerging technologies, clean energy, and strategic sectors.