Jammu, November 25, 2025 : Jammu & Kashmir possesses almost one billion tonnes of limestone reserves, according to fresh estimates by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), a senior central government official confirmed on Monday. The Union Territory also holds significant potential for lithium, copper, titanium, iron, coal and gold, offering vast opportunities for economic expansion.
Additional Secretary, Union Ministry of Mines, Sanjay Lohiya, expressed satisfaction over J&K finally joining India’s mineral auction framework with the launch of its first-ever limestone block e-auction and mega roadshow in Jammu.
Union minister G Kishan Reddy, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary jointly launched the auction of seven limestone blocks, covering 314 hectares across Anantnag, Rajouri and Poonch.
Lohiya said J&K had not auctioned any mineral blocks since the 2015 amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, while other states collectively auctioned nearly 600 blocks.
Due to J&K’s lack of prior auction experience, the Centre is hand-holding the UT through its first round of auctions.
“Local Cement Production Will Cut Costs”
Lohiya emphasised that geographically, J&K lies at the edge of the country where transporting cement is expensive.
“Meeting the region’s rising cement demand through local production will be a major advantage,” he said.
He added that the vast reserves could transform J&K’s mining landscape, generate employment, and boost government revenue. More limestone blocks are expected to be offered in the second auction round.
New Discoveries: Lithium, Copper & More
The GSI has also located deposits of:
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Lithium
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Copper
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Titanium
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Iron & Coal
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Gold
However, their economic viability is still under assessment.
Rs 500 Crore Revenue Expected from First Auction
Additional Chief Secretary, Mining Department J&K, Anil Kumar Singh, said the pioneering e-auction of the seven limestone blocks is projected to bring in Rs 500 crore.
He said the transparent bidding process will:
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Boost investor confidence
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Attract mineral-based industries including cement
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Generate employment for local youth
Singh also announced that 24 more landform blocks are being prepared for auction by March 2026, with an estimated revenue potential of Rs 1,500 crore.
Tech-Driven Mining: Surveillance & Citizen Participation
J&K has introduced the Integrated Mining Surveillance System (IMSS) using satellite monitoring to curb illegal mining.
Advanced technologies are currently under trial and expected to be fully operational by January 2026.
Citizens will soon be able to file mining-related complaints via mobile apps, increasing transparency and accountability.
Future Roadmap: Critical Minerals & Sustainable Mining
The Mining Department is actively exploring:
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Lithium and sapphire (to be pre-auctioned next financial year)
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Graphite, granite, copper, metals and shallow gas in identified zones
Detailed geological mapping and feasibility assessments are under way to ensure scientific, responsible, and sustainable extraction.
The Ministry of Mines has recommended Rs 100 crore financial assistance for command-and-control centres and infrastructure to combat illegal mining. J&K is also finalising the establishment of the Mineral Exploration Trust to promote safe and eco-friendly mineral development.
