Mineral revenue of Rs 11,581 crore earned from April to February in 2024-25
Successfully e-auction of 44 mineral blocks: Successfully auction of mineral lithium block for the first time in the country
E-auction process of three new iron ore blocks continues in Bailadila region
Fund of Rs 1,673 crore received in financial year 2024-25 under District Mineral Institute Trust: 9,362 development works were approved
Plan to establish State Mineral Investigation Trust
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, the state government has given new dimensions to the economic and industrial development of the state by adopting transparent mining policy, e-auction, digital surveillance and environment-sensitive mining strategies.
Due to the streamlined excavation of mineral resources, a historic increase in mineral revenue of Chhattisgarh has been recorded in the past years. Mineral revenue has increased by 30 times compared to the time of the state formation, which reached Rs 13,000 crore in 2023-24 and has been earned by Rs 11,581 crore from April to February in 2024-25. This is the result of transparent mining policy and effective administration. So far, the e-auction of 44 mineral blocks has been successfully performed, so far 14 mineral blocks of lime, 9 of iron ore, 9 of bauxite, 11 of bauxite, gold 3, nickel, 2 of chromium, 2 of graphite, 2 of gluconite and 1 mineral blocks of lithium.
10 Critical and Deep Seted Minerals blocks successfully auction in the state so far
Keeping in mind the economic and strategic development of the country by the Government of India, the National Critical Mineral Mission for minerals of critical and strategic importance has been announced in January 2025. According to this, special attention has been given by the department in the state since 2024-25, the exploration / discovery of minerals of critical and strategic importance, under which work is being done on critical and deep seated minerals under 31 projects out of 56 investigation projects.
So far, 10 critical and deep seated minerals blocks in which 1 of lithium, 3 of gold, nickel, 2 of chromium, 2 mineral blocks of 2 gluconite have been auctioned in the state.
For the first time in the country, the auction of mineral lithium block has been successfully auctioned by the Government of India, under which Katghora Lithium Block of District Korba has been allocated to Messrs South Monkey Mining Company at 76 percent premium. Lithium investigation work is also being done in Sukma and Korba districts of the state, in which there is a possibility of lithium stores.
Bailadila Ir
Bailadila region is one of the largest iron ore reserves in India. The e-auction process of three new iron ore blocks is going on here, which will be completed by March 2025. Apart from this, the auction process of Hahaldi iron ore mineral block of Kanker district is also in the final stages.
Environmental balance and transparent monitoring system
The government has taken many new initiatives to operate the mining sector more transparent and scientifically while maintaining environmental balance. Illegal mining is being monitored through satellite imagery and mining surveillance systems. In secondary mineral mines, environmental protection has been given priority along with promoting mining by streamlined and scientific method. The state government is encouraging lease holders under the ‘Star Rating’ system.
Social development from mineral revenue and investment in basic facilities
A large part of mineral revenue is being invested in the social development of the state. So far, a fund of Rs 1,673 crore has been received in the financial year 2024-25 under the District Mineral Institute Trust, which approved 9,362 development works including education, health, roads, drinking water and skill development. This is leading to significant improvement in the standard of living of people living in mining affected areas.
Extending mineral investigation works and new projects
The state government has started investigation work in a total of 13 mineral projects including limestone, bauxite, iron ore and graphite. Preliminary surveys have estimated 283 million tonnes of limestone, 67 million tonnes of iron ore and 3 lakh tonnes of bauxite. Minerals such as gold, graphite and gluconite are also being discovered, which will further strengthen the state’s mining sector. Apart from this, a proposal has been sent to the Department of Atomic Energy for uranium block in Jajaval area of Surajpur district. Coal Bed Methane Vedanta Limi in the erstwhile Korea district. And the petroleum exploration license has been approved to the oelmax. Manganese and India Ltd. (Moil) has identified mineral manganese reserves in Balrampur area for the first time in the state with CMDC.
The National Mineral Investigation Trust has been established by the Central Government to investigate the main minerals. On the same lines, the Department of Minerals is working on the plan to establish the State Mineral Investigation Trust for systematic development and exploration of the state’s secondary minerals.
It is noteworthy that Chhattisgarh is one of the rich states of the country in terms of natural resources. The abundance of a total of 28 types of minerals, including coal, iron ore, limestone, bauxite, gold, nickel, chromium and platinum group elements, has brought this state in a leading role in the country’s mining sector. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, Chhattisgarh is emerging as the leading industrial and economic center of India due to transparent policies, sustainable development strategies and efficient efforts of the state government. Through mineral wealth, the state is not only gaining economic strength, but is also moving towards green and sustainable development. In the coming years, Chhattisgarh will further strengthen its identity as India’s mining hub with its rich mineral wealth and strategic initiative.