New Delhi, March 22 -- Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy will launch the 7th Tranche of Auction of Critical and Strategic Mineral Blocks on Monday, according to a statement.

Critical minerals are pivotal for the country's economic development and mineral security. The global transition towards clean energy and advanced technologies has significantly increased the demand for minerals such as lithium, graphite, rare earth elements (REE), tungsten, vanadium, titanium and other rare metals. Their limited availability and geographical concentration pose challenges to resilient supply chains worldwide.

Recognising their strategic importance, the Government of India amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 19...