- The Ministry of Mines has launched the ninth tranche of critical mineral block auctions, offering 20 blocks across multiple states. - These critical minerals are essential for high-tech manufacturing, green energy transition, electric vehicles, and defense sectors. - The auctions aim to reduce import dependence and secure domestic supply chains for strategic and rare minerals. - **Ministry of Mines:** The central ministry responsible for survey and exploration of minerals, administration of national mineral legislation, and formulation of policies for sustainable mining and critical mineral auctions in India. - **Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act:** The principal legislation governing the mining sector and mineral concession regime in India, recently amended to facilitate private sector participation in critical and deep-seated mineral exploration. **Introduction** The Ministry of Mines launched the ninth round of critical mineral block auctions, offering 20 mineral blocks to boost domestic production, reduce import dependency, and secure supply chains for green energy and strategic sectors. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - The Ministry of Mines has launched the ninth tranche of critical mineral block auctions, offering 20 blocks across multiple states. - These critical minerals are essential for high-tech manufacturing, green energy transition, electric vehicles, and defense sectors. - The auctions aim to reduce import dependence and secure domestic supply chains for strategic and rare minerals. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **Ministry of Mines:** The central ministry responsible for survey and exploration of minerals, administration of national mineral legislation, and formulation of policies for sustainable mining and critical mineral auctions in India. - **Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act:** The principal legislation governing the mining sector and mineral concession regime in India, recently amended to facilitate private sector participation in critical and deep-seated mineral exploration.