TFP Bureau, Raipur, August 5, 2025: Chhattisgarh has made a historic leap in India’s mineral development sector with the confirmed discovery of Nickel, Chromium, and Platinum Group Elements (PGE) in Mahasamund district. This major find, made by M/s Deccan Gold Mining Limited (DGML) in the Bhalukona–Jamanidih block, marks a significant step toward self-reliance in critical mineral resources essential for modern technologies, national security, and clean energy initiatives.
Spread across 3,000 hectares, the exploration site revealed encouraging results after advanced surveys and sampling. A mineralized belt of nearly 700 meters has been identified within mafic-ultramafic formations, with geophysical data indicating the presence of sulphide minerals up to 300 meters deep. The exploration work followed the successful e-auction of the block in March 2023, where DGML emerged as the highest bidder with a 21% premium.
A neighboring block—Kelwardabari—was previously awarded to Vedanta Limited, further strengthening Mahasamund’s position as a future hub for strategic minerals.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai hailed the discovery as “a decisive step towards securing essential mineral resources for the nation.” He said the breakthrough reinforces the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and highlighted the state’s commitment to scientific exploration and sustainable mineral development.
The Chhattisgarh government has already auctioned 51 mineral blocks, including other critical resources like lithium, glauconite, phosphorite, graphite-vanadium, and tin. Over 50% of mineral exploration proposals for 2024–25 are focused on strategic minerals.
To institutionalize efforts, the Directorate of Geology and Mining (DGM), Chhattisgarh, has also established a Critical Mineral Cell, which is coordinating with academic and research institutions to accelerate mineral exploration and refining.
Mineral Resources Secretary P. Dayanand called the development a “strategic leap”, noting the rising global demand for minerals like nickel and PGEs—crucial to green energy and high-tech sectors.
Experts believe this discovery will not only strengthen Chhattisgarh’s position on India’s mineral map but also unlock new opportunities in technology, clean energy, and national security domains.
