TFP Bureau, Raipur, August 14, 2024: Chhattisgarh is set to host India’s first lithium mine in Katghora, Korba district, marking a significant milestone in the state’s contribution to the national mineral sector. This development follows confirmation from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) of substantial lithium reserves spread across approximately 250 hectares in the region. The announcement was made during the 6th Governing Body meeting of the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) held in New Delhi, where Chhattisgarh Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal represented Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai.
The meeting, chaired by Union Coal and Mines Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy, focused on the sustainable exploitation and conservation of critical minerals. Minister Jaiswal emphasized the strategic importance of the upcoming lithium mine, stating,
“The lithium mine in Katghora will be the first of its kind in the country, positioning Chhattisgarh as a leading state in mineral exploration. This venture is crucial for our progress towards ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’.”
Lithium, essential for renewable energy technologies and high-tech industries, is expected to propel both the state and the nation into a new era of development. Preliminary GSI surveys have indicated lithium concentrations ranging from 10 ppm to 2,000 ppm in the region, with the presence of rare earth elements (REE) further enhancing the site’s strategic value.
The Ministry of Mines has already issued a notice inviting tenders for the allocation of 20 critical and strategic mineral blocks across several states, including Chhattisgarh. The inclusion of the Katghora lithium and REE block underscores the site’s national significance. As India currently relies heavily on imports for these minerals, the development of this mine is a step towards self-reliance in key sectors like renewable energy, defense, and high-tech electronics.
Railway Infrastructure Developments Discussed During Health Minister’s Delhi Visit
In a related visit to New Delhi, Chhattisgarh Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal met with Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss critical infrastructure upgrades in the state. During the meeting, Shri Jaiswal highlighted the need for the extension of the Bilaspur-Chirmiri-Bilaspur train to either Durg Junction or Gondia Junction, which would greatly benefit residents of the newly formed Manendragarh district by providing direct rail access to the state capital, Raipur.
Additionally, Shri Jaiswal requested that the Shahdol-Nagpur Junction-Shahdol train be operated from Chirmiri, facilitating direct transportation for residents of Katni, Jabalpur, and Nagpur. Union Railway Minister Shri Vaishnaw assured that these requests would be given serious consideration, signaling potential improvements in rail connectivity for the region.
These discussions and developments underscore Chhattisgarh’s growing importance in both the mineral and infrastructure sectors, with the state poised to play a pivotal role in India’s future growth.
