GSI detects deposits of titanium, gold in J&K

Jammu, Nov 25: Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Sanjay Lohiya has stated that the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has detected the deposits of copper, titanium and gold even in J&K besides Lithium but their economic viability and other crucial assessments were yet to be made.

Revelation was made by him in his inaugural address during the launch and roadshow on e-auction of limestone mineral blocks of Jammu and Kashmir on November 24, 2025 in Jammu.

Lohiya has pointed out that the auction of the first tranche of 7 blocks of limestones will bring significant change in the mining sector in J&K and more blocks will be auctioned in the second round, unlocking greater potential of employment and revenue generation.

With regard to availability of limestone, he said that as per GSI estimates, J&K has one billion tonnes of limestone reserves.

Lohiya stated that the auction was just the first step, after the completion of the bidding process in a time bound manner which was being facilitated by the central government, the role of the J&K government would come into focus.

It (J&K government) would have to ensure the land acquisition and environment clearance in a time bound manner, he asserted.

In his keynote address at the event, Additional Chief Secretary, J&K Mining Department, Anil Kumar Singh too reiterated that the auction of seven blocks would unlock opportunities of progress, employment in the districts of Anantnag, Rajouri and Poonch.

“The pioneering initiative will generate approximately Rs 500 Cr revenue for J&K. The department is also in the process of processing 24 new landform blocks which will be brought to e-auction by March next year with an estimated revenue of around Rs 1,500 crore for the UT,” Singh said.

With regard to the challenge of illegal mining, Singh informed that Integrated Mining Surveillance System would be introduced.

“The advanced system to make mining a transparent process would be fully functional by early 2026. The Ministry of Mines also recommended Rs 100 Cr for setting up command and control centres on this account,” he said.

He stated that the department had complied with the reforms in the mining sector. ACS said that the UT Mineral Exploration Trust was also on anvil.