- Self-reliance in critical and strategic minerals will strengthen India’s economic and strategic power.
- 5 critical mineral blocks in Chhattisgarh are being auctioned, Chief Minister calls for active participation from investors
- Chief Minister Shri Sai inaugurated e-Sand Sangwari and TIN portal
CMDC’s MoU with Indian Overseas Bank and Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, financial cooperation and skill development will get a boost
The rich mineral wealth and vast potential of critical minerals available in Chhattisgarh have the potential to take the state to new horizons of development. Our goal is not just to extract minerals from the earth, but to develop the entire mineral value chain in Chhattisgarh, from exploration to excavation, processing to value addition, and advanced manufacturing to recycling. This will increase investment in the state, establish new industries, and create large-scale employment opportunities for the youth. Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai said this while addressing the road show of the eighth tranche of auction of critical and strategic mineral blocks organized by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, at Mayfair Lake Resort, Nava Raipur today.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai said that critical and strategic minerals will be the key pillars of the country’s economic progress, technological self-reliance, and strategic security in the future. In today’s rapidly changing global and technological landscape, the importance of these minerals has grown exponentially. Reliable availability of these minerals is essential for nearly every emerging sector of the modern economy, from the defense industry to artificial intelligence, clean energy, electric mobility, digital technology, electronics, and advanced manufacturing.
Chief Minister Shri Sai launched the e-Sand Sangwari portal and the TIN portal. Important MoUs were also signed at the event by the Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC) with the Indian Overseas Bank and Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University.
Self-reliance in critical minerals is essential for a developed India.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is rapidly establishing itself among the world’s leading economic and technological powers. Through Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat and National Critical Mineral Mission, exploration, processing of critical minerals and development of advanced industries related to them have gained new momentum in the country.
He said that in the current global situation, all the major countries of the world are engaged in securing their strategic resources and their supply chain. At such a time, self-reliance in the availability of critical and strategic minerals is extremely important for India not only from the economic necessity but also from the national security point of view.
From Defense to AI – Critical Minerals are the Foundation of the New Economy
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s defense industry has rapidly moved towards self-reliance. The world witnessed the effectiveness of Indian defense capabilities and indigenous technology during Operation Sindoor. Many strategic minerals play a vital role in the manufacture of modern defense equipment. Therefore, their secure and consistent supply is essential for a strong and self-reliant defense industry.
He added that minerals such as lithium, graphite, rare earth elements, vanadium, nickel, and chromium are crucial for AI, semiconductors, batteries, clean energy, electric mobility, digital technology, and advanced manufacturing. Their role in the future economy will continue to grow.
Chhattisgarh has great potential in the field of critical minerals.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Chhattisgarh is among the major mineral-rich states of the country and now the state is moving towards creating a new identity in the field of critical minerals as well. There are possibilities of lithium and rare earth elements in Katghora and Bastar, graphite, vanadium and gallium in Balrampur, phosphorite in Balod and nickel, chromium and glauconite in Mahasamund.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai said that the eighth installment of the auction of critical and strategic minerals includes 20 mineral blocks from 7 states of the country, out of which 5 blocks are from Chhattisgarh.
The Chief Minister urged investors to actively participate in the auction of these blocks, saying that this is not just an opportunity to acquire mineral blocks. It is also an opportunity to reshape the economy of Chhattisgarh and the country through exploration, processing, value addition, innovation, and new industries. These critical mineral blocks can become a key pillar in building a developed India.
Emphasis on developing the entire mineral value chain in Chhattisgarh
The Chief Minister said that the state government’s vision is not limited to increasing mineral production. Our effort is to develop the entire value chain of mineral-based industries within the state. Instead of shipping minerals abroad after exploration and excavation, their processing, value addition, and related advanced manufacturing should take place within the state, so that Chhattisgarh and its people can reap the maximum economic benefits of natural resources.
He said that an AI-based data center park and electronics manufacturing cluster are being developed in Naya Raipur, and an electronics manufacturing cluster in Rajnandgaon. These modern industries will require critical minerals. The close availability of mineral resources will give the state a natural competitive advantage for these industries.
New Industrial Policy and Ease of Doing Business to encourage investment
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the state government is creating an investment-friendly environment to attract new-age industries to Chhattisgarh. The new industrial policy provides several incentives for emerging and future economy sectors. The Ease of Doing Business Act has simplified the formalities required for low and medium risk industries. The One Click Single Window System 2.0 has also streamlined the process of obtaining various permissions and NOCs.
He stated that various incentives are being provided to investors, including capital investment assistance, stamp duty and electricity duty exemptions, interest subsidies, and employment-based incentives. The state’s mineral wealth, energy, land, connectivity, and industrial infrastructure create a strong ecosystem for critical mineral-based industries.
Mineral revenue has increased significantly.
The Chief Minister said that at the time of state formation, Chhattisgarh’s mineral revenue was approximately 400 crore rupees. Two and a half years ago, it was approximately 12,000 crore rupees, which has now increased to more than 16,000 crore rupees.
He said that revenue generated from mineral wealth is being used for the state’s development and public welfare. Through the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), various initiatives are being undertaken to expand education, health, drinking water, and other basic amenities in mining-affected areas, as well as to promote the socio-economic upliftment of local people.
Chief Minister Shri Sai called on industry and investors to become partners in Chhattisgarh’s development journey, stating that the entire country is looking to Chhattisgarh today. The state is rich in natural resources and is rapidly progressing towards industrial and economic development.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that this road show will lay a strong foundation for investment, technical collaboration, and new partnerships in Chhattisgarh and will prove crucial in establishing the state as a major hub for the country’s critical mineral value chain.
Self-reliance in critical minerals is a strategic need for the country: Union Minister of State Shri Satish Chandra Dubey
Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Shri Satish Chandra Dubey said that self-reliance in critical and strategic minerals is essential for India’s economic and strategic strength. For a long time, the country was dependent on other countries for many important minerals, but under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, with the resolve for a self-reliant India, work has progressed rapidly in this direction.
He said that critical minerals are used in everything from vehicles, inverters, and e-rickshaws to ships and modern defense equipment. He called on investors, youth, and startups to take advantage of the opportunities available in this sector. He stated that the central government’s goal is not simply to exploit minerals, but to promote sustainable and responsible mining, with special attention to environmental protection and the interests of local communities.
Along with mining, planned and sustainable development is also necessary: Union Minister of State Shri Tokhan Sahu
Union Minister of State Shri Tokhan Sahu said that amidst the increasing global demand for critical minerals, Chhattisgarh has a huge opportunity to realise new possibilities on the strength of its rich mineral wealth and strong industrial base.
He said that the success of auctioning mineral blocks should not be measured solely by their allocation. Its real impact should be seen in the form of exploration, investment, establishment of processing facilities, technological development, value addition, and employment generation. Along with mining and industrial investment, planned development of civic amenities such as housing, transportation, drinking water, health, and education is also essential. This requires a strong partnership between the government and industry.
Investors will get handholding support at every level: Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel
Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel said that the state government is working towards encouraging investment in the mineral sector and developing the entire value chain. To improve ease of doing business, 43 services have been notified under the risk rated approach. Self-declaration for low and medium risk activities and necessary permission for high risk activities are being arranged.
He stated that special attention is being paid to regular monitoring of strategic projects, effective enforcement of labor laws, and streamlining land acquisition procedures to ensure timely establishment of industrial projects. Survey, enforcement, transportation, royalty payment, and auction processes in the mining sector are being digitized, with the goal of making the transport system even faster and paperless in the future.
He added that the state government is providing active support to investors in obtaining environmental, forest, land acquisition, and other necessary approvals. Mineral blocks are now being auctioned after land scheduling, providing investors with clear information about land, forest areas, and related procedures in advance.
The Chief Secretary urged investors to invest across the entire mineral value chain and downstream industries, not just in mines. He also stressed the need to develop new business models that increase the participation of local communities.
Successful Auction of 56 Critical and Strategic Mineral Blocks in the Country So Far
Shri Keshav Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Government of India, said that as India becomes a global manufacturing hub and rapidly progresses towards clean energy goals, it is crucial to ensure a reliable supply of critical and strategic minerals. These minerals are essential for many advanced industries, including electric mobility, renewable energy, batteries, electronics, semiconductors, defense, aerospace, and fertilizers.
He said that after the Central Government got the right to auction critical and strategic mineral blocks, the auction process of 88 blocks has been started so far, out of which 56 blocks have been successfully auctioned.
Praising Chhattisgarh’s mineral potential, he said that India’s first lithium-rich mineral block was auctioned in Chhattisgarh’s Katghora Lithium and Rare Earth Element Block. Of the 20 mineral blocks across seven states in the eighth tranche, five are in Chhattisgarh.
He stated that several reforms have been implemented to make the auction process more transparent, timely, and investor-friendly, such as milestone-based compliance, time-bound approvals, a Unified Mining Portal, and insurance security bonds. He urged investors to take advantage of these opportunities and become partners in building India’s secure and self-reliant critical mineral ecosystem.
- State’s special emphasis on scientific exploration and transparent system: Mineral Secretary Shri P. Dayanand
Secretary of Mineral Department, Shri P. Dayanand said that the State Government is continuously taking steps towards sustainable utilization of mineral wealth, scientific exploration, transparent auction and creating a favourable environment for investors.
He stated that the state government, in collaboration with various institutions, including the Geological Survey of India, is strengthening scientific surveys, geo-data collection, and mapping. Online and transparent systems are being expanded to rapidly transform potential mineral deposits into productive mines. The government’s goal is to promote mineral exploration, as well as mineral-based industries, local employment, technological development, and value addition.
- 40 exploration projects, over 2,800 km of geological survey in two and a half years
Mr. Rajat Bansal, Director of the Minerals Department and Managing Director of CMDC, stated that, under the direction of Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai, special emphasis is being placed on sustainable mining methods and scientific exploration of mineral resources in the state. In the last financial year, the state received mineral revenue of approximately ₹16,700 crore, representing approximately 98 percent of the target. Mineral revenue has increased by approximately 14 percent year-on-year.
He added that in the last two and a half years, 40 exploration projects have been initiated in the state, and over 2,800 kilometers of geological surveys have been completed. So far, 65 mineral blocks have been auctioned in the state, with potential revenues of approximately ₹4 lakh crore expected.
He said that Chhattisgarh has vast potential for various important minerals, including lithium, graphite, vanadium, gallium, gold, tungsten, nickel, chromium, copper, lead-zinc, and diamond. Exploration and auction processes are underway in various areas, including lithium in Katghora, graphite-vanadium-gallium in Balrampur, and the tin belt of Bastar.
Transparency and accountability in the mineral sector have been strengthened through digital systems such as Mineral Online 2.0, DMF 2.0, and e-auctions. Drone surveys are also being used to monitor mines and minor minerals.
E-Sand Sangwari will provide convenience to PM Housing beneficiaries, and tribal families will get fair prices through the TIN portal.
Chief Minister Shri Sai launched the E-Sand Sangwari portal. Through this, the system of providing sand at discounted rates to beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana will be made more accessible and transparent.
Similarly, the TIN portal has been launched in the Dantewada region to ensure tribal communities associated with tin receive fair prices for their produce and to make the system more transparent. These digital initiatives have also taken significant steps toward utilizing technology in mineral administration and directly benefiting ordinary citizens.
- Two important MoUs of CMDC, skill development and financial cooperation will gain momentum
An MoU was signed between the Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation and the Indian Overseas Bank at the event. An MoU was also signed between CMDC and Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University for training in corundum cutting and polishing. These agreements will provide new impetus to financial cooperation, skill development, value addition, and investment opportunities in the mineral sector.
On this occasion, a book published on minor minerals was released and the process of issuing NIT for three limestone mining lease blocks was also taken forward.
The programme was attended by Shri Sandeep Basant Kadam, Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of Mines, along with senior officials from the Central and State Governments, investors from the mineral sector, industry representatives, experts and various stakeholders.