NEW DELHI, March 22 -- The government will launch the auction of critical and strategic mineral blocks on Monday, as it aims to safeguard key sectors such as clean energy and defence from supply disruptions caused by trade and geopolitical tensions.

In the seventh round of auctions, the Union mines ministry will offer 19 blocks across multiple states under mining lease and composite licence, with revenues accruing to the respective states.

These blocks comprise a diverse basket of minerals essential for sectors such as clean energy, advanced technologies, fertilizers and strategic industries.

The mines ministry also said reforms in the mining auction process to shorten timelines and the introduction of the insurance surety bond as an a...