A new chapter of transparency and innovation in the mineral sector: A new beginning of the digital era in mineral management

Mineral revenue of Rs 11,581 crore earned from April to February in 2024-25

Successful e-auction of 44 mineral blocks: Successful auction of mineral lithium block for the first time in the country

E-auction process of three new iron ore blocks underway in Bailadila area

Funds of Rs 1,673 crore received so far in the financial year 2024-25 under the District Mineral Institute Trust: 9,362 development works approved

Plan to establish State Mineral Exploration Trust

Raipur 18 March 2025: The state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai has given new dimensions to the economic and industrial development of the state by adopting transparent mining policy, e-auction, digital monitoring and environment-sensitive mining strategies. Due to well-organized excavation of mineral resources, a historic increase has been recorded in the mineral revenue of Chhattisgarh in the last few years. Mineral revenue has increased 30 times compared to the time of formation of the state, reaching Rs 13,000 crore in 2023-24 and in 2024-25, a revenue of Rs 11,581 crore has been earned from April to February itself. This is the result of transparent mining policy and effective administration. So far, e-auction of 44 mineral blocks has been done successfully, in which 14 of limestone, 9 of iron ore, 11 of bauxite, 3 of gold, 2 of nickel, 2 of chromium, 2 of graphite, 2 of glauconite and 1 mineral block of lithium have been auctioned so far. So far 10 critical and deep seated minerals blocks have been successfully auctioned in the state.

Keeping in view the economic and strategic development of the country, the Government of India has announced the National Critical Mineral Mission for minerals of critical and strategic importance in January, 2025. In accordance with this, the department in the state has paid special attention to the exploration / discovery of minerals of critical and strategic importance from the year 2024-25, under which work is being done on critical and deep seated minerals under 31 projects out of 56 exploration projects. So far, 10 critical and deep seated minerals blocks have been auctioned in the state, including 1 of lithium, 3 of gold, 2 of nickel, chromium, 2 of graphite and 2 of glauconite. For the first time in the country, the process of successful auction of mineral lithium block has been done by the Government of India, under which Katghora Lithium Block of Korba district has been allotted to M/s South Maiki Mining Company at 76 percent premium amount. Lithium exploration work is also being done in Sukma and Korba districts of the state, in which there is full possibility of finding lithium reserves. Bailadila Iron Ore: Bailadila region, a strong pillar of India’s mining sector, is one of the largest iron ore deposits 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 Hahaladdi iron ore mineral block of Kanker district is also in the final stage. Environmental balance and transparent monitoring system

The government has taken several new initiatives to operate the mining sector more transparently and scientifically while maintaining environmental balance. Illegal mining is being monitored through satellite imagery and mining surveillance system. Environmental protection has been given priority along with promoting systematic and scientific mining in minor mineral mines. The state government is encouraging better performing leaseholders under the ‘Star Rating’ system. Investment in social development and infrastructure from mineral revenue A large part of the mineral revenue is being invested in the social development of the state. Under the District Mineral Institute Trust, funds of Rs 1,673 crore have been received so far in the financial year 2024-25, from which 9,362 development works including education, health, road, drinking water and skill development have been approved. This is significantly improving the standard of living of people living in mining affected areas.

Expansion of mineral exploration works and new projects The state government has started exploration work in a total of 13 mineral projects including limestone, bauxite, iron ore and graphite. Initial surveys have estimated the reserves of 283 million tons of limestone, 67 million tons of iron ore and 3 lakh tons of bauxite. Minerals like gold, graphite and glauconite are also being explored, which will further strengthen the mining sector of the state. Apart from this, a proposal has been sent to the Department of Atomic Energy for uranium block in Jajawal area of ​​​​Surajpur district. Petroleum exploration license has been granted to Vedanta Limited and Oilmax in coal bed methane erstwhile Korea district. Manganese Ore India Limited (MOIL) along with CMDC has identified the reserves of mineral manganese in Balrampur area for the first time in the state.