Focus on critical and strategic minerals, deep-seated resources and advanced exploration technologies; GSI identifies 2,590 million tonnes of limestone and 32.26 million tonnes of iron ore resources
TFP Bureau, Raipur, August 19, 2026: The 26th meeting of the Chhattisgarh State Geological Programming Board (SGPB) concluded in Raipur with the finalisation of 45 mineral exploration projects for the state, including blocks containing critical and strategic minerals, deep-seated minerals and bulk minerals.
The meeting, chaired by Mineral Resources Department Secretary P. Dayanand at the Old Circuit House, reviewed exploration activities undertaken during 2025-26 and finalised priorities and programmes for the 2026-27 financial year.
Special Secretary and Director of Geology and Mining Rajat Bansal and Geological Survey of India (GSI) Deputy Director General Amit Dharwadkar were among the key officials present.
Of the 45 projects approved, 35 relate to critical and strategic minerals, four to deep-seated mineral blocks and six to bulk minerals. The Geological Survey of India will undertake 25 of these projects through its Raipur unit.
During 2025-26, mineral exploration activities established resources of around 2,590 million tonnes of limestone and 32.26 million tonnes of iron ore in the state. Four exploration projects initiated during the previous financial year will continue during 2026-27.
The Directorate of Geology and Mining has also finalised 11 exploration proposals for the current financial year. These include one graphite, two limestone, four iron ore, two glauconite, one Rare Earth Elements (REE) and rare metals, and one bauxite and aluminous laterite block.
Focus on critical and strategic minerals
The meeting placed particular emphasis on accelerating exploration of critical and strategic minerals, including lithium, graphite, tin-tantalum-niobium, REE and rare metals, glauconite and bauxite.
Officials also stressed the need to intensify mineral exploration in the South Bastar region and adopt advanced technologies for the accurate assessment of deep-seated mineral deposits.
Reviewing the state’s mineral sector performance, Secretary P. Dayanand said Chhattisgarh recorded approximately ₹16,738 crore in mining royalties and revenue during 2025-26.
He added that nine exploration projects approved under the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NPEA) during 2025-26 would continue in the current financial year, providing further impetus to the exploration of critical and strategic minerals.
Mineral resource maps of five districts handed over
During the meeting, the Geological Survey of India handed over mineral resource maps of five districts to the Chhattisgarh Mineral Resources Department.
The meeting highlighted the need for stronger coordination among central and state agencies, enhanced mineral exploration and the preparation of a comprehensive roadmap aligned with the requirements of mineral-based industries in the state.
Representatives of several major organisations involved in geology, mining and mineral exploration participated in the meeting. These included the Geological Survey of India, Indian Bureau of Mines, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited, National Mineral Development Corporation, Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Central Ground Water Board, CMPDIL, MOIL, Hindustan Copper Limited and Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation.
Representatives from CGCOST, notified private exploration agencies and industry players, including Jindal Steel, UltraTech Cement, Maa Kudargarhi Steel Private Limited, Deccan Gold and Mikey South Mining Private Limited, also attended the meeting along with members of the Directorate of Geology and Mining’s MCTA team.
The decisions taken at the SGPB meeting are expected to strengthen mineral exploration in Chhattisgarh, particularly in the areas of critical minerals and emerging strategic resources, while supporting the state’s long-term mineral-based industrial development.
