SRINAGAR: Two limestone mineral blocks in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir have been successfully auctioned through the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, marking the first such auction of mineral blocks in the Union Territory through the ministry.
The two blocks, Koot-Kapran and Wantrag, are located in Dooru tehsil of Anantnag district.
The Koot-Kapran limestone block, spread over 22.43 hectares across Koot and Kapran villages, has estimated limestone resources of 4.75 million tonnes. The block has been explored up to the G-4 stage.
The Wantrag limestone block covers 5.36 hectares and has estimated limestone resources of 10.853 million tonnes. Its exploration has reached the G-3 stage, including 159 metres of drilling.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration had entrusted the auction of the two blocks to the Ministry of Mines, which conducted the competitive bidding under the Central Government’s mineral auction framework.
The Ministry of Mines said the successful auction would facilitate the systematic development of the mineral resources. It also said the development of the blocks was expected to generate direct and indirect employment and provide opportunities for local businesses, entrepreneurs, service providers and allied industries.
The ministry said it would continue to work with the Jammu and Kashmir government for the transparent, sustainable and responsible development of the Union Territory’s mineral resources.
