The centre has concluded the auction of 8 Critical and Strategic Mineral Blocks under Tranche IV. These blocks are in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Arunachal Pradesh. These blocks contain deposits of strategic minerals such as phosphate, graphite, and vanadium, essential for high-tech and green energy applications. In a statement, the Ministry of Mines said that this achievement underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering mineral security. The Ministry further emphasized that it will ensure the availability of vital resources needed for the nation’s energy transition and sustainable industrial and economic growth. The Ministry also said that this is a step toward fulfilling the government’s vision of achieving self-reliance in critical minerals and positioning India as a competitive player in the global mineral economy.