TFP Bureau, Raipur, January 15, 2026: Chhattisgarh has emerged as a national frontrunner in the mineral sector by becoming the first state in the country to auction a lithium mine, marking a major milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in critical and strategic minerals. This landmark achievement was highlighted by Secretary, Geology and Mining, Shri P. Dayanand, while addressing a press conference here on Thursday.
Shri Dayanand said Chhattisgarh, endowed with abundant mineral wealth, has witnessed a steady and significant rise in mineral revenue due to the state government’s planned and policy-driven approach towards mineral development and scientific exploitation. He noted that mineral revenue, which stood at just ₹429 crore at the time of the state’s formation, has grown manifold to reach ₹14,592 crore by the Silver Jubilee year 2024–25.
The upward trend has continued in the current financial year as well. By December 2025, the state had already earned around ₹10,345 crore from mineral resources and is on course to achieve a revenue target of approximately ₹17,000 crore by the end of the financial year 2025–26. Chhattisgarh contributes nearly 17 per cent to the country’s total mineral production and around 10 per cent to the state’s Gross Domestic Product, underscoring the sector’s importance to the economy.
The Secretary informed that the Chhattisgarh District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMF) Rules, 2015 have been amended in line with the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana Guidelines–2024 issued by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India. Under the DMF framework, a total contribution of ₹16,742 crore has been received so far, leading to the sanction of 1,07,689 development works aimed at improving the lives of people in mining-affected areas. Of these, 75,901 works have already been completed, while the remaining projects are at various stages of implementation.
To further strengthen transparency, monitoring and accountability, the state government has launched the State DMF Portal 2.0, modelled on the central government’s DMF portal. The upgraded digital platform ensures effective financial approvals, real-time monitoring and streamlined management of DMF-funded works.
Shri Dayanand also referred to amendments made by the central government to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, under which the National Mineral Exploration Development Trust (NMEDT) was established to promote systematic mineral exploration across the country. He said a total of ₹1,159 crore has been deposited in the NMEDT fund between 2015–16 and December 2025.
Emphasising the growing importance of critical minerals in the global and national context, the Secretary said that, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Developed India 2047’, the Government of India has launched the National Critical Minerals Mission to accelerate exploration and utilisation of minerals vital for clean energy, advanced technology and strategic industries.
In this direction, Chhattisgarh has taken a pioneering step by becoming the first state to auction a lithium mine. Lithium and rare earth mineral blocks have been auctioned in Katghora tehsil of Korba district. The commencement of lithium mining in the state is expected to generate employment opportunities for local youth and attract significant investment in downstream industries such as electric vehicles and energy storage.
Additionally, under the NMEDT, a project has been sanctioned through notified private sector exploration agencies for the exploration of lithium, niobium, tantalum and rare earth elements in the Bengpal–Alinganar–Komakoleng region of Sukma and Bastar districts. This initiative is expected to further strengthen Chhattisgarh’s position as a key hub for critical minerals in the country.
Officials said these developments reflect the state government’s commitment to responsible mining, regional development and positioning Chhattisgarh at the forefront of India’s mineral and industrial growth story.
