Mineral Resources — Current Affairs 2026

Current Affairs Connections

Recent developments and news linked to Mineral Resources.

Seventh tranche of critical and strategic mineral-block auctions launched

2026-03-23

The Ministry of Mines launched the seventh tranche of e-auctions, connecting mineral allocation with the development of domestic supply chains. The official release lists blocks across several states and minerals including graphite, rare earth elements and lithium-associated resources. An auction launch is a development stage, not a statement that those blocks are already producing.

UPSC Angle: Explain the steps between identifying a resource, allocating a concession and obtaining reliable mineral output. Assess how exploration, processing capacity and environmental responsibilities affect the contribution of auctions to mineral security.

Recycling-scheme eligibility expanded to 58 entities

2026-04-29

As reported by the Ministry of Mines on 30 April 2026, 38 entities were cleared at the 29 April committee meeting, joining 20 cleared on 30 March. The 58 eligible participants were under the ₹1,500 crore critical-mineral recycling scheme notified in 2025. Eligibility and pledged capacity were followed by a project-execution stage; they were not commissioned output.

UPSC Angle: Compare primary mineral extraction with recovery from batteries, electronic waste and industrial scrap. Distinguish programme eligibility, pledged investment, installed capacity and actual recovery when evaluating a circular-economy policy.