Vedanta Ltd on Thursday announced that it has been declared the preferred bidder for the Punnam manganese block in Andhra Pradesh, following a competitive e-auction conducted by the state’s Department of Mines & Geology.
Block Details and Auction Outcome
According to the official notification issued on September 18, 2025, Vedanta was selected after qualifying in the initial bid stage and emerging successful in the subsequent auction process.
The manganese block, spread across 152 hectares, is currently at the G4 level of exploration.
Next Steps: Licences and Clearances
The allocation will move forward once Vedanta secures a composite licence, which is contingent upon:
- Furnishing a performance bank guarantee
- Meeting statutory and regulatory requirements
- Obtaining clearances from relevant government departments and agencies
Only after these conditions are fulfilled will Vedanta be able to formally execute the necessary agreements with the Andhra Pradesh government.
Strengthening Mineral Resource Portfolio
The tender process was initiated on July 10, 2025, when the block was put up for auction. Vedanta expects the acquisition to strengthen its mineral resource portfolio, supporting the company’s long-term strategy of securing key raw materials through domestic sources.
Summary:
Vedanta Ltd has been declared the preferred bidder for the 152-hectare Punnam manganese block in Andhra Pradesh, following a state-led e-auction. The grant of a composite licence will depend on Vedanta fulfilling statutory conditions, guarantees, and approvals. The allocation is expected to further boost Vedanta’s mineral resource base.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. The securities or companies mentioned are provided as examples and should not be considered as recommendations. Nothing contained herein constitutes personal financial advice or investment recommendations. Readers are advised to conduct their own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Investments in securities markets are subject to market risks. Please read all related documents carefully before investing.