The Union government is set to auction India’s first potash mining blocks in Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan on 01 May, 2025, aiming to reduce import dependence and boost domestic fertiliser production.

"Initially, potash mining is planned over an area of 32.47 sq. km, with 18.30 sq. km in Lakhasar of Bikaner’s Sridungargarh tehsil and 14.17 sq. km in Bharusari of Hanumangarh’s Rawatsar tehsil. There is ample scope to set up fertiliser industries in the state, generating employment," a senior mining official said.

Rajasthan holds over 95 percent of India’s estimated potash reserves, with sub-surface halite-bearing evaporites spread across 30,000 sq. km in Sriganganagar, Hanumangarh, Bikaner, Churu, and Nagaur districts. Eight sub-basins with potash mineralisation containing two percent potassium have been identified around Bikaner, Hansera, Arjunsar, Gharsisar, Jaitpur, Satipura, Bharusari, and Lakhasar. Among these, the Satipura, Bharusari, and Lakhasar sub-basins are the most promising, with a three percent potassium cut-off grade estimated at 2,476.58 million tonne.

The auction marks a significant step towards harnessing domestic resources, reducing dependency on imported fertilisers, and promoting industrial growth in Rajasthan.