The government will on Monday launch the seventh tranche of auction for critical and strategic minerals, in which 19 blocks will be offered across several states as part of efforts to strengthen domestic resource security.The move comes as India looks to boost self-reliance in clean energy, advanced technologies, fertilizers and other strategic sectors amid global supply-chain disruptions, PTI reported.According to the Mines Ministry, six rounds of auctions have been completed so far, in which 46 critical and strategic mineral blocks have already been sold.“Taking forward this momentum, the seventh tranche will offer 19 blocks across multiple states under mining leases and composite licenses,” the ministry said in a statement.Critical minerals are considered vital to economic growth and long-term mineral security, particularly as the global transition towards clean energy and advanced technologies increases the demand for resources such as lithium, graphite, rare earth elements (REEs), tungsten, vanadium, titanium and other rare metals.Their limited availability and geographic density remain challenges for resilient supply chains around the world.Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy, along with Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey, will formally launch the seventh tranche of the auction on March 23, the ministry said.In a separate statement, the ministry said it will also organize the National District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Summit 2026 in New Delhi on Monday and Tuesday.