TFP Bureau, Raipur, August 21, 2025: Chhattisgarh has registered a major leap in the mining sector, earning more than ₹15,000 crore in mineral revenue during the financial year 2024-25, a 34% increase compared to the previous year. The figures were presented at the 25th meeting of the State Level Geological Program Board, held at the New Circuit House, Raipur, as part of the state’s Silver Festival celebrations.
The meeting was chaired by Mineral Resources Secretary Shri P. Dayanand, who is also the Chairman of the State Geological Program Board. Director of Geology and Mining Shri Rajat Bansal, along with representatives from central and state government departments, public undertakings, and private mining companies, participated in the discussions.
“Minerals are the Backbone of Development”
In his address, Shri Dayanand emphasized the central role of minerals in driving economic growth. “Minerals are the backbone of the all-round development of any state and country. The discovery of strategic and critical minerals in Chhattisgarh marks the beginning of a new era of development. For mineral-based industries to flourish, systematic and continuous exploration is necessary,” he said.
He urged all agencies to adopt advanced technologies, share exploration data, and coordinate efforts for maximizing the potential of mineral resources. He also noted that the discovery of rare and strategic minerals in the state would pave the way for new industries and boost self-reliance in key sectors.
Landmark Discoveries in 2024-25
Presenting the achievements of the past year, Director of Geology and Mining Shri Rajat Bansal informed that approximately 2,500 million tonnes of limestone and 93 million tonnes of iron ore reserves were identified in Chhattisgarh. He added that several upcoming projects in 2025-26 will focus on strategic minerals such as lithium, niobium, tantalum, titanium, and rare earth metals.
“These initiatives will strengthen the Self-Reliant India Mission and ensure sustainable growth in strategic sectors,” Bansal said, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to supporting scientific and detailed mineral exploration.
Collaboration with Centre and Private Sector
The Ministry of Mines, Government of India, approved one limestone and one bauxite exploration project under the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) for 2024-25. Additionally, two exploration proposals were approved for private institutions—one focusing on lithium, niobium, tantalum, titanium, and rare earths, and the other on iron ore.
Efforts are also being made to expand partnerships with private players to strengthen exploration and refinement of resources.
Geological Survey of India Reports
Dr. Amit Dharwadkar, Deputy Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), informed the Board that extensive surveys were conducted for bauxite, gold, glauconite, lithium, titanium, phosphorite, fluorite, lead, zinc, and rare earth elements across multiple districts. For 2025-26, the GSI will work on 29 projects covering these minerals.
New Projects Finalized for 2025-26
The Directorate of Geology and Mining, Chhattisgarh, has approved 11 exploration projects for the current year. These include:
- 2 projects on strategic and critical minerals
- 2 on glauconite
- 1 on lepidolite
- 2 on limestone
- 2 on iron ore
- 2 on bauxite
These projects are expected to further consolidate Chhattisgarh’s position as one of India’s leading mineral-producing states.
Presence of Key Stakeholders
The meeting was attended by senior officials including IBM Raipur Regional Controller Shri Prem Prakash, Regional Mining Geologist Shri D. Das, GSI Deputy Director General Shri Amit Dharwadkar, Atomic Minerals Directorate Regional Director Shri S.R. Manthanwar, along with representatives from NMDC, Coal India, Vedanta, Ultratech, and Deccan Gold.
With record revenues, strategic discoveries, and a roadmap for upcoming projects, Chhattisgarh is poised to play a decisive role in meeting India’s energy and industrial mineral requirements in the coming years.
