Mineral Revenue of ₹11,581 Crore Earned from April to February in 2024-25
Successful E-Auction of 44 Mineral Blocks: First Successful Auction of a Lithium Block in the Country
E-Auction Process Underway for Three New Iron Ore Blocks in the Bailadila Region
₹1,673 Crore Received So Far in Financial Year 2024-25 under the District Mineral Foundation Trust: Approval Granted for 9,362 Development Works
Plan to Establish a State Mineral Exploration Trust
Raipur, March 18, 2025/ Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, the state government has given new dimensions to the economic and industrial development of the state by adopting transparent mining policies, e-auctions, digital monitoring, and environmentally sensitive mining strategies.
Due to the systematic excavation of mineral resources, Chhattisgarh’s mineral revenue has registered historic growth in the past years. Mineral revenue has increased 30 times compared to the time of state formation, reaching ₹13,000 crore in 2023-24, and ₹11,581 crore has been earned from April to February in 2024-25 alone. This is the result of transparent mining policies and effective administration. So far, e-auctions of 44 mineral blocks have been successfully conducted, including 14 limestone, 9 iron ore, 11 bauxite, 3 gold, 2 nickel, chromium, 2 graphite, 2 glauconite, and 1 lithium mineral block.
Successful Auction of 10 Critical and Deep-Seated Minerals Blocks in the State So Far
The National Critical Mineral Mission was announced by the Government of India in January 2025, keeping in mind the economic and strategic development of the country, for critical and strategic minerals. In line with this, the department has been paying special attention to the exploration/discovery of critical and strategic minerals since 2024-25 in the state, under which work is being done on critical and deep-seated minerals under 31 out of 56 exploration projects.
So far, 10 critical and deep-seated minerals blocks have been auctioned in the state, including 1 lithium, 3 gold, 2 nickel, chromium, 2 graphite, and 2 glauconite mineral blocks.
For the first time in the country, the action of successfully auctioning the mineral lithium block has been taken by the Government of India, under which the Katghora Lithium Block of Korba district has been allotted to M/s South Mykee Mining Company at a premium amount of 76 percent. Lithium exploration work is also being carried out in Sukma and Korba districts of the state, in which there is a strong possibility of finding lithium reserves.
Bailadila Iron Ore: A Strong Pillar of India’s Mining Sector
The Bailadila region is one of the largest iron ore reserves in India. The e-auction process for three new iron ore blocks is underway here, which will be completed by March 2025. Apart from this, the auction process for the Hahaladdi iron ore mineral block in Kanker district is also in its final stage.
Environmental Balance and Transparent Monitoring System
The government has taken several new initiatives to make the mining sector more transparent and scientifically operated while maintaining environmental balance. Illegal mining is being monitored through satellite imagery and the Mining Surveillance System. Along with promoting systematic and scientific mining in minor mineral mines, priority has been given to environmental protection. The state government is encouraging better performing leaseholders under the ‘Star Rating’ system.
Investment in Social Development and Infrastructure from Mineral Revenue
A large portion of mineral revenue is being invested in the social development of the state. Under the District Mineral Foundation Trust, a fund of ₹1,673 crore has been received so far in the financial year 2024-25, from which 9,362 development works, including education, health, roads, 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. Preliminary surveys have estimated reserves of 283 million tonnes of limestone, 67 million tonnes of iron ore, and 3 lakh tonnes of bauxite. Exploration of minerals like gold, graphite, and glauconite is also being done, which will further