India is set to invite bids for 20 critical mineral blocks, including lithium and graphite, within the next two weeks. Mines Secretary V L Kantha Rao announced the upcoming auction after the inauguration of the Mining Pavilion at the India International Trade Fair. The move follows the discovery of 5.9 million tonnes of lithium deposits in Jammu and Kashmir in February 2023. With the recent amendment of mining rules allowing private miners and the approval of royalty rates for critical minerals, India is taking steps to leverage its mineral resources, with the auction notice expected to be issued shortly.