Kumar Bahukhandi
The mineral-rich state of Chhattisgarh has made significant progress in the mining sector in recent years-Photo Credit-CG/PR
Raipur: The mineral-rich state of Chhattisgarh has made significant progress in the mining sector in recent years. Focusing on transparency, accountability, and technological innovation, the state has implemented numerous structural reforms in mineral administration, resulting in Chhattisgarh becoming one of the leading mining states in the country. New discoveries in the state, including world-class iron ore, coal, limestone, bauxite, and tin ore, have demonstrated the availability of critical, strategic, and rare earth minerals, strengthening the state’s global reputation.
Chhattisgarh’s mining sector contributes approximately 10 percent to the state’s GDP, while its share in the country’s total mineral production is approximately 17 percent. The state’s mineral revenue has increased 34-fold in 25 years. While mineral revenue was only ₹429 crore at the time of state formation, it increased to ₹14,592 crore in 2024-25. This achievement is the result of the state’s robust mineral policy and continuous administrative reforms.
Under the Mineral Auction Rules 2015, established under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, as amended in 2015, 60 mineral blocks have been successfully auctioned in the state so far. These include 15 iron ore, 14 bauxite, 18 limestone, and 13 critical and strategic mineral blocks. The auction process for five new blocks (two limestone, one iron ore, one gold, and one base metal block) has also been initiated.
The Directorate of Geology and Mining, Chhattisgarh, has signed MoUs with IIT Mumbai, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, and Coal India Limited for long-term collaboration in the field of mining research and exploration. This partnership has accelerated the scientific exploration of critical and strategic minerals.
In accordance with the Prime Minister’s Mineral Area Welfare Scheme Guidelines 2024, the District Mineral Foundation Trust Rules, 2025, have been notified in the state. So far, the state has received contributions of ₹16,119 crore, under which 105,653 works have been approved, of which 74,454 have been completed. DMF Portal 2.0 has been implemented to ensure transparency in financial approval, monitoring, and management.
The Mineral Online 2.0 portal, developed by the Mineral Department, has fully digitised the state’s mineral administration. The system is secure, multi-functional, and user-friendly, promoting transparency and efficiency. This initiative is establishing Chhattisgarh as a national model state in mining management. In accordance with the principles of ease of doing business, the allocation of sand mines in the state is now being done through a completely online system. An MoU has been signed with MSTC for this purpose. The new system eliminates human intervention, making the entire process transparent, fair, and secure.
Under the Star Rating System implemented under the Minor Minerals Rules, 2015, mines are being evaluated on standards of mining, environmental management, safety measures, and sustainable development. Under this system, three mines have been awarded 5-star ratings and 32 mines have been awarded 4-star ratings, a testament to the state’s commitment to scientific and responsible mining.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that mineral wealth is not just an economic source, but the foundation for the state’s all-round development. Chhattisgarh has presented an ideal administrative model through coordinated efforts towards policy reforms, digital transparency, and sustainable development in the mining sector. This progress of the state is not only a sign of economic strength but also a lasting step towards public interest-based development.
