TFP Bureau, Raipur, October 5, 2025: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday inaugurated the Chhattisgarh Mining Conclave 2025 in Nava Raipur, marking a new era of technological innovation, transparency, and environmental responsibility in the State’s mineral sector. Addressing industry leaders, policymakers, and mining experts, CM Sai declared that “scientific methods and innovative mining are writing a new story of growth and transparency in Chhattisgarh.”
At the conclave, multiple landmark agreements were signed to strengthen the State’s mining ecosystem and accelerate industrial development. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked between the Indian School of Mines (ISM) Dhanbad and the Directorate of Geology & Mining, Chhattisgarh, for exploration of critical minerals, while another MoU was signed between Coal India Limited and the Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC) to promote sustainable mining and resource management.
Digital Revolution in Mining Management
CM Sai launched three major digital platforms—Khanij Online 2.0, District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Portal 2.0, and the Reverse Auction Portal for sand mines—to strengthen governance and transparency. The upgraded Khanij Online 2.0portal will enhance real-time monitoring of mining operations, royalty collection, and environmental compliance. The new DMF Portal incorporates guidelines from the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) and aims to ensure equitable utilisation of mineral wealth for the welfare of affected communities.
Highlighting the success of the State’s mining reforms, the Chief Minister informed that NITs were issued for five new mining blocks and Preferred Bidder orders were granted for nine mines. He added that Chhattisgarh has emerged as India’s first State to successfully auction a lithium block, marking a milestone in India’s clean energy future.
“Chhattisgarh received ₹1,673 crore this year under the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) fund, leading to the approval of 9,362 development works. In FY 2024–25, the State achieved a record revenue of ₹14,195 crore from mining,” CM Sai said. “With transparent auctions and robust e-governance, we are transforming mining into a pillar of economic strength and social responsibility.”
MoUs to Drive Critical Mineral and Clean Energy Exploration
The conclave witnessed new collaborations aimed at tapping into the growing global demand for clean energy and critical minerals. MoUs were signed with premier institutions such as IIT Roorkee and ISM Dhanbad to conduct advanced research in sustainable mining, resource mapping, and mineral recycling.
CM Sai noted that Chhattisgarh’s vast reserves of iron ore, coal, bauxite, tin, and limestone are being mined using eco-friendly and scientific techniques. “Through sustainable mining, the State will play a vital role in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047,” he asserted.
Reverse Auction Portal for Sand Mines Launched
In a major push toward ease of doing business, CM Sai launched the Reverse Auction Portal developed by MSTC Limited, a Government of India PSU, to streamline and digitise the allocation of sand mines. The move will ensure fair and transparent e-auctions, quick allotments, and uninterrupted sand supply for PM Awas Yojana beneficiaries and public infrastructure projects. Officials said the system will also significantly enhance State revenues through royalty and cess collection.
Star Awards for Sustainable Mining Practices
At the conclave, 43 mines were honoured with Star Awards for exemplary adherence to environmental management, pollution control, and safety standards. Of these, three mines received 5-Star ratings, 32 mines 4-Star, and eight mines 3-Star ratings. CM Sai felicitated the awardees, emphasizing that these recognitions reflect Chhattisgarh’s commitment to sustainable and responsible mining.
Expert Insights: Vision for a Transparent, Tech-Driven Sector
Speaking at the event, Saurabh Singh, Chairman of CMDC, highlighted that under CM Sai’s leadership, Chhattisgarh has introduced innovative practices in mining that have boosted both employment and revenue. “The State currently mines 28 types of minerals, and we’ve begun production of two new elements from tin sludge while advancing e-waste management and ore recycling,” he said.
Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel commended the re-launch of the Mining Conclave after nine years and described it as a vital platform for policy evolution. “The Government is prioritizing technology adoption, renewable energy integration, and water conservation within mining operations. These steps align with India’s broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions and inclusive growth,” he said.
Sheel stressed that stakeholder participation, digital oversight, and proactive policymaking will form the foundation of Chhattisgarh’s mining future, contributing significantly to PM Modi’s Viksit Bharat 2047 and CM Sai’s Viksit Chhattisgarh vision.
Mining Secretary P. Dayanand and Geology & Mining Director Rajat Bansal presented detailed reports on the State’s mineral availability, transparent auction mechanisms, and the adoption of advanced technologies for exploration and extraction.
Building a Future of Sustainable Prosperity
The conclave also marked the release of District Mineral Trust Rules-2025, introducing reforms under PMKKKY to ensure inclusive development in mining-affected regions. The rules, along with digital tools like DMF Portal 2.0, are designed to enhance accountability, speed, and citizen participation in fund utilization.
Officials emphasized that Chhattisgarh’s New Sand Policy 2025 and mining reforms will create large-scale employment opportunities, improve transparency, and ensure equitable sharing of resources among local communities.
The event concluded with a pledge to make Chhattisgarh a model for responsible mining in India—balancing industrial growth, environmental sustainability, and public welfare. Senior officials including Rahul Bhagat, Secretary to the Chief Minister, Harish Duhan, Chief General Manager of SECL Bilaspur, and representatives from leading mining and industrial firms attended the event, reinforcing the State’s united commitment to sustainable progress.
