Chhattisgarh’s historic leap in the discovery of strategic minerals: Nickel-Chromium-PGE confirmed in Chhattisgarh
Raipur, 5 August 2025: Chhattisgarh has registered a significant achievement in the field of mineral development. M/s Deccan Gold Mining Limited (DGML) has discovered nickel, chromium and platinum group elements (PGEs) in the recently acquired joint permit area in the state. This remarkable achievement marks the beginning of a new era of discovery and sustainable development of strategic and important minerals in Chhattisgarh. The discovery has been made in the Bhalukona-Jamanidih nickel, chromium and PGE block of Mahasamund district, which is spread over about 3000 hectares. The initial exploration of this area was done by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) at the G4 level, which revealed the possibility of the presence of these minerals. On this basis, the Directorate of Geology and Mining (DGM) under the Mineral Resources Department of Chhattisgarh Government compiled detailed geological data and completed the e-auction process of the block.
The block was successfully auctioned on 6 March 2023, in which DGML won it by placing the highest bid of 21%. Thereafter, technical guidance and continuous support was provided by DGM Chhattisgarh to expedite the exploration work. After obtaining the necessary forest and environmental clearances, DGML started exploration work, which included detailed geological mapping, rock chip sampling, drone based magnetic survey and induced polarization (IP) survey. Initial results have been encouraging. So far, a mineralized strip of about 700 meters has been identified, which is located in potential mafic-ultramafic rock formations. According to the indications received from geophysical surveys, the presence of sulphide minerals has been recorded up to 300 meters depth, which underlines the rich mineral potential of this block.
The Kelwardabari Nickel, Chromium and PGE block located adjacent to the Bhalukona block was earlier awarded to M/s Vedanta Limited through auction. The joint development of these two blocks has strengthened the possibilities of developing the Mahasamund region as a major hub of strategic minerals in the country. Expressing happiness over this achievement, Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai said that this historic discovery is a decisive step towards securing vital mineral resources for the state and the country. It strengthens the spirit of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission and encourages sustainable and self-reliant development in strategic sectors. The Chhattisgarh government is committed to provide full support to scientific and detailed mineral exploration and development.
The state government is giving top priority to the exploration of strategic and important minerals, evidence of which is reflected in the exploration proposals for 2024-25, where more than 50% of the proposals are focused on these minerals. So far, the State has successfully auctioned 51 mineral blocks, which include critical minerals such as graphite, nickel, chromium, PGEs, lithium, glauconite, phosphorite and graphite-vanadium. In addition, 6 tin blocks have been assigned to the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Government of India for further auction. To accelerate planned and institutional efforts in this direction, DGM, Chhattisgarh has set up a Critical Mineral Cell, which is promoting mineral exploration and refining by enhancing collaboration with research, academic and professional institutions.
In this context, Secretary, Department of Mineral Resources, P. Dayanand, said that this discovery is not just a scientific breakthrough but a strategic leap. In view of the growing global demand, minerals required for green energy and high-tech technologies – such as nickel and platinum group elements – are the backbone of future technologies. Chhattisgarh is committed to playing a central role in India’s strategic mineral map and we are ensuring the necessary institutional and operational support for this. Experts believe that this achievement not only further strengthens the mineral rich status of Chhattisgarh but also lays the foundation for amazing possibilities towards the discovery of minerals useful in modern technology, national security and clean energy sectors.
