Press Conference of Secretary, Mineral Resources Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, Shri P. Dayanand

Press Conference of Secretary, Mineral Resources Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, Shri P. Dayanand. Date: 15.01.2026. Secretary of Mineral Resources, Shri P. Dayanand, stated that more than 28 types of minerals are found in various regions of the state. For these minerals, the state government prepares mineral blocks for exploration and excavation and makes them available for mining through auctions and other means, leading to a significant increase in revenue for the state government over the last 2 years. CMDC is also a partner in executing exploration and mining-related works in the state. To ensure the supply of minerals to local mineral-based industries and to increase mineral revenue, the Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC) was formed under the Chhattisgarh Mineral Resources Department on June 7, 2001. CMDC currently operates through mining and marketing contracts, excavation contracts, marketing contracts, MDO, exploration, and joint ventures. Shri Dayanand informed that CMDC is currently mining, marketing, and exploring 9 minerals (Tin, Bauxite, Iron Ore, Copper, Diamond, Manganese, Corundum, Dolomite, Coal). For Tin, CMDC is specifically purchasing tin ore to support the livelihood of the Scheduled Tribes of Bastar. Mining and a tin smelter are also being operated through joint ventures. This mineral falls under the category of critical minerals. The Secretary stated that over the last two years, efforts have been made to provide the correct price to the Scheduled Tribe community at the right time. Consequently, the purchase price has been increased to Rs. 1926.00 per kg, providing nearly 3 times more income to the locals. This has led to an unprecedented increase in tin ore purchase volumes, and online purchase and real-time payment procedures are being implemented through the “TIN – Tribal Incentive for Natural Resources” portal. Shri Dayanand added that CMDC, in collaboration with MOIL, is exploring manganese and graphite in Balrampur district with encouraging results. An MoU has been signed between Coal India Limited and CMDC regarding the exploration and mining of critical minerals, and a joint working committee has been formed. Participation in becoming self-reliant in critical minerals is increasing. This agreement includes mineral enhancement, processing, technical cooperation, and skill development for youth. Transparent Auctions: Under the leadership of the Chief Minister, Chhattisgarh has seen significant changes in mineral management. CMDC has set new standards in mineral sales through transparent, technology-enabled auctions via MSTC. Last financial year, iron ore sales from the Aridongri mine generated Rs. 28.65 crore in revenue for the state and Rs. 24 crore in net profit for CMDC. Efforts are being made to increase production capacity at Aridongri from 5 lakh tons to 20 lakh tons annually. In Surguja district, state revenue from 5 CMDC mines reached Rs. 11.28 crore. Mining at Bailadila Deposit 04 and Deposit 13 by the CMDC-NMDC joint venture NCL will start in 2026, which is expected to generate Rs. 7000 crore for the state and Rs. 3000 crore for CMDC. In the precious minerals category, indications of diamond-bearing kimberlite have been found in Mahasamund district. The Kerwa Coal Project has been successful after years of delay, with an MDO selected through a transparent 15.85% premium auction. Future plans include increasing iron ore and bauxite capacity, joint exploration with Coal India for graphite, and extracting critical minerals from slag. Plans also include providing services like pre-embedded clearances, drone-related works, and revitalizing closed mines.