India: Karnataka iron ore e-auction sales surge 72% m-o-m in Jun’26 on improved availability, restocking demand

• • Miners offer larger volumes as buyers return for pre-monsoon restocking

• • Higher-grade ore attracts aggressive bids, with limited miners offering material

Iron ore e-auction sales in Karnataka increased by 72% m-o-m to 1.12 million tonnes (mnt) in June 2026 from 0.65 mnt in May, according to BigMint data. Of the total volumes sold, iron ore fines accounted for around 550,500 tonnes (t), while lumps contributed 565,500 t. Total iron ore offered in the auction was 1.76 mnt, of which around 64% got booked.

The sharp increase in sales was primarily driven by higher material availability through e-auctions. Several merchant miners and major producers offered larger quantities during the month, enabling buyers to procure higher volumes compared with May, when the volumes offered through auctions remained relatively limited. The improved supply also encouraged broader participation across auctions, resulting in a significant rise in overall trade volumes.

Demand was further supported by inventory replenishment by sponge iron producers and steel mills before the monsoon. After adopting a cautious procurement strategy in May amid weak steel market conditions, many consumers returned to the market in June to replenish raw material inventories and ensure uninterrupted production. This led to improved buying activity for both iron ore fines and lumps through the e-auction route.

Another factor supporting auction volumes was the continued preference for higher-grade iron ore. Although only a limited number of miners offered higher-grade material, steelmakers and sponge iron producers actively competed for the available lots due to their superior productivity and operational benefits. Buyers were willing to bid at higher prices to secure quality feedstock, resulting in healthy participation in auctions and stronger offtake of premium-grade material.

NMDC retains leadership:

NMDC Ltd. continued to dominate Karnataka’s e-auction market, with sales improving to around 672,000 t in June from 401,000 t in May. The sales included approximately 372,000 t of fines and 300,000 t of lumps offered across multiple auctions.

Other miners record mixed performance:

Karnataka State Minerals Corporation Ltd. (KSMCL) emerged as the second-largest seller, with e-auction sales increasing sharply to 238,500 t in June from 72,000 t in May. The substantial rise was mainly supported by higher auction volumes and greater availability of higher-grade material, which witnessed strong buyer interest.

Sandur Manganese and Iron Ores Ltd. (SMIORE) ranked third, with sales rising to 104,000 t from 75,650 t in May, supported by improved auction participation and steady demand for its offerings.

Sri Kumaraswamy Minerals Pvt. Ltd. (SKMEPL) secured the fourth position, selling around 56,000 t of iron ore, comprising 40,000 t of fines and 16,000 t of lumps, compared with 44,000 t in the previous month, reflecting improved buyer participation.

Vedanta Ltd. ranked fifth despite witnessing a decline in sales to 40,500 t from 54,000 t in May. The company offered both haematite and siliceous grades during the month, but comparatively lower volumes and selective buying limited overall sales.

Among new participants, HG Rangangaouda entered the e-auction market by offering 12,000 t of iron ore. However, only 5,000 t of lump ore was booked, indicating cautious buyer interest in the inaugural auction.

In contrast, R Praveen Chandra failed to receive any bids, reflecting weak demand for the offered material, likely due to pricing, grade preference, or limited buyer interest during the auction.

Iron ore prices rise m-o-m in Jun’26:

Monthly weighted average prices of Fe 63% lumps and Fe 60% fines increase m-o-m in June. Weighted average prices of Fe 60% fines increased by INR 400/t to INR 3,500/t, while Fe 63% lumps sharply rose by INR 1,000/t to INR 5,000/t. Prices are exclusive of taxes. Improved buyer participation and aggressive bidding for scarce higher-grade material lifted auction prices during the month. The steeper rise in lump prices was mainly attributed to sustained demand from sponge iron manufacturers amid limited availability of premium-grade lots.

Outlook:

Karnataka’s iron ore e-auction sales are expected to remain stable to slightly lower in the coming month as the onset of the monsoon is likely to affect mining operations and transportation, limiting auction volumes. On the demand side, buying activity may remain subdued, with steel mills and sponge iron producers expected to procure cautiously amid weak downstream steel demand and adequate raw material inventories.