{
  "id": 11663836,
  "title": "Centre Auctions Two Limestone Blocks In Jammu & Kashmir",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/centre-auctions-two-limestone-blocks-in-jammu-kashmir",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-03T10:00:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/centre-auctions-two-limestone-blocks-in-jammu-kashmir"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a significant move, the Centre has successfully auctioned two limestone blocks in Jammu & Kashmir, signaling a new era in the Union Territory's mining sector. The Mines Ministry hailed the development as \"an important step towards unlocking the mineral potential of Jammu & Kashmir and initiating a new phase of organised mineral development.\"\n\nThe Koot–Kapran Limestone Block, situated in Dooru Tehsil of Anantnag district, encompasses 22.43 hectares and is believed to hold approximately 4.75 million tonnes of limestone resources. The block has been explored up to the G-4 stage, with potential for further detailed exploration and development.\n\nThe Wantrag Limestone Block, covering 5.36 hectares, is estimated to contain 10.853 million tonnes of limestone resources. Its exploration has reached the G-3 stage, with 159 metres of drilling completed.\n\nThe Mines Ministry anticipates the auction to attract fresh investments, stimulate economic activity, and create both direct and indirect employment opportunities. This move is expected to open avenues for local businesses, entrepreneurs, service providers, and allied industries, contributing to the self-reliance push in clean energy and strategic sectors.",
  "summary": "For the first time, two mineral blocks in Jammu & Kashmir have been successfully auctioned through the Central Government’s mineral auction process, marking a significant development in the Union Territory’s mining sector. The Mines Ministry described the development as “an important step towards unlocking the mineral potential of Jammu & Kashmir and initiating a new phase of organised mineral…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}