TFP Bureau, Raipur, April 11, 2025:\u00a0In a pivotal meeting held at Mantralaya Mahanadi Bhawan, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and Union Coal and Mines Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy today reviewed the functioning of Chhattisgarh\u2019s Mineral Department, focusing on the state\u2019s substantial contributions to India’s mining sector. The review included a comprehensive discussion on exploration efforts, technological advancements, and the state\u2019s growing role in coal and critical mineral production.<\/p>\n
Union Minister Reddy praised Chhattisgarh\u2019s leadership in coal production, noting that the state\u2019s contributions were instrumental in reaching the national target of one billion tonnes of coal output in 2024-2025. He also highlighted the state\u2019s success in securing the first lithium block in India, underscoring Chhattisgarh\u2019s pivotal role in advancing critical minerals like lithium, iron ore, and tin.<\/p>\n
“Chhattisgarh is not only rich in minerals but is becoming a strategic leader in the mineral sector,”<\/strong> said Minister Reddy. He acknowledged the state\u2019s efforts in sustainable mineral exploration and innovative practices, which are key to India’s vision of self-reliance.<\/p>\n Strengthening Mineral Exploration and Sustainable Mining Practices<\/strong> \u201cOur goal is to make Chhattisgarh a strong pillar in the construction of a developed India through the effective utilization of our mineral resources,\u201d said Chief Minister Sai. He noted the state\u2019s significant reserves of coal, iron ore, bauxite, tin, and limestone, which are vital for both the national economy and industrial development.<\/p>\n As part of this effort, the state has launched several initiatives such as the Mineral Online Portal<\/em> and e-auction processes<\/em>to ensure transparency, technical efficiency, and environmental responsibility in mining activities. Chief Minister Sai highlighted the Lakhpati Didi Yojana<\/em> to foster inclusive development in mining-affected areas, further strengthening Chhattisgarh\u2019s sustainable mining framework.<\/p>\n Licensing of Critical Minerals and Iron Ore Blocks<\/strong> Shri Reddy also commended the state for its significant progress in lithium exploration, highlighting the strategic importance of lithium for India\u2019s energy security. \u201cThis lithium block marks a monumental step towards self-reliance and sustainable energy solutions,\u201d he remarked.<\/p>\n Chhattisgarh\u2019s Growing Role in National Mineral Sector<\/strong> Minister Reddy also mentioned the recent inspection of the Gevra coal mine, the largest in India, and praised the innovative technologies deployed there. He underscored the importance of developing sustainable coal corridors and ensuring environmental protection alongside enhanced mining operations.<\/p>\n Collaborative Effort for a Developed India<\/strong> Key Figures Present<\/strong> Chhattisgarh\u2019s role in India\u2019s mining progress strengthens with new strategic initiatives, including lithium and iron ore blocks<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":926,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[116,118,117],"tags":[156],"class_list":["post-924","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-breaking-news","category-chhattishgarh","category-state","tag-coal-india"],"yoast_head":"\n
During the meeting, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai emphasized the state\u2019s commitment to boosting its participation in the mining sector. He stressed the need for enhanced coordination with the Central Government to strengthen the state\u2019s role in India’s industrial growth.<\/p>\n
A landmark moment in the review meeting was the handover of the composite license contract for India\u2019s first lithium block in Katghora to Maiki South Mining Pvt. Ltd., which emerged as the highest bidder at 76.05%. Additionally, preferred bidder orders for four iron ore blocks in Dantewada and Kanker districts were awarded to major companies like ArcelorMittal and Rungta Sons.<\/p>\n
Secretary of the Mineral Resources Department Shri P. Dayanand shared key statistics, revealing that Chhattisgarh contributes over 17% of the national mineral production value, despite comprising only 4% of the country\u2019s total area. The state has successfully allocated 48 mineral blocks through e-auction, reinforcing its role as a leading contributor to India\u2019s mining sector.<\/p>\n
As the discussion concluded, both Chief Minister Sai and Minister Reddy reiterated the importance of Chhattisgarh\u2019s contributions to India\u2019s mining and energy sectors. The Union Minister committed to further collaboration between the state and the central government to explore and sustainably manage mineral resources, particularly those of strategic importance.<\/p>\n
The review meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Shri Amitabh Jain, Principal Secretary Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, and several senior officials from the Ministry of Coal, Coal India Limited, and the Chhattisgarh government.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"