New Delhi: Oil India Ltd (OIL) has secured the Jorkian–Satipura–Khunja Amalgamated Potash and Halite block in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh district, becoming the preferred bidder in the fifth tranche of critical and strategic mineral auctions conducted by the Ministry of Mines.
This marks the first-ever successful auction of a Potash block by the Government of India. The block was one of 10 mineral blocks awarded in the tranche that featured minerals such as Graphite, Phosphorite, Phosphate, Rare Earth Elements (REE), Vanadium, Potash and Halite across six states — Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
“Oil India Limited, the Maharatna CPSE of Govt of India, in its commitment towards energy transition and diversifying the business portfolio have successfully bagged a critical and strategic mineral block under the 5th tranche of auction conducted by the Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India,” the company said in a statement.
“OIL has been declared as the Preferred Bidder for grant of composite license for the Jorkian–Satipura–Khunja Amalgamated Potash and Halite Block in Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan,” it said.
The auction marks Oil India’s entry into the critical and strategic minerals segment. The block awarded to Oil India is among the 34 total blocks awarded across five tranches so far, out of 55 blocks put up for auction.
“OIL’s strategic diversification into critical minerals represents a well-timed response to national priorities to support India’s self-reliance goals,” the company stated.
The Ministry of Mines has also launched the National Critical Mineral Mission to facilitate exploration, development, and self-sufficiency in key minerals critical for energy transition and industrial use.
