Chhattisgarh Eyes Complete Mineral Value Chain, From Exploration to Advanced Manufacturing and Recycling: CM Vishnu Deo Sai
Five Critical Mineral Blocks Put Up for Auction; CM Invites Investors to Tap Chhattisgarh’s Growing Mineral Potential
Raipur, August 31, 2026: Chhattisgarh is working towards developing a complete mineral value chain within the state, covering exploration, mining, processing, value addition, advanced manufacturing and recycling, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said on Monday.
Addressing a roadshow for the eighth tranche of the auction of critical and strategic mineral blocks, organised by the Union Ministry of Mines at Mayfair Lake Resort in Nava Raipur, the Chief Minister said Chhattisgarh’s rich mineral resources and emerging potential in critical minerals could attract large-scale investments, promote new industries and create employment opportunities for the youth.
Critical Minerals Key to India’s Economic and Strategic Security
CM Sai said India is rapidly strengthening its position as a major economic and technological power under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He said initiatives such as Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat and the National Critical Mineral Mission have accelerated the exploration and processing of critical minerals and encouraged the development of advanced industries based on these resources.
“Self-reliance in critical and strategic minerals is essential not only for India’s economic interests but also for national security,” the Chief Minister said, underlining the changing global scenario in which major countries are competing to secure strategic resources and supply chains.
He said critical minerals are becoming increasingly important for the emerging economy, with applications ranging from defence and artificial intelligence to semiconductors, batteries, clean energy, electric mobility, digital technology and advanced manufacturing.
India’s growing defence capabilities and indigenous technological strength, including those demonstrated during Operation Sindoor, further underline the importance of ensuring a secure and uninterrupted supply of strategic minerals, he said.
Chhattisgarh Has Significant Potential in Lithium, Rare Earths and Other Minerals
According to the Chief Minister, Chhattisgarh has significant potential for lithium and rare earth elements in Katghora and Bastar; graphite, vanadium and gallium in Balrampur; phosphorite in Balod; and nickel, chromium and glauconite in Mahasamund.
He said these resources offer enormous opportunities not only for mining but also for processing, value addition and the development of downstream industries within the state.
Five Critical Mineral Blocks in Chhattisgarh Up for Auction
CM Sai said the eighth tranche of the auction of critical and strategic mineral blocks includes 20 blocks spread across seven states, including five blocks in Chhattisgarh.
He urged investors to actively participate in the auction and described the mineral blocks as an opportunity to build a wider industrial ecosystem around exploration, processing, value addition, innovation and advanced manufacturing.
The Chief Minister said the state government is creating an investor-friendly environment through its new industrial policy and various measures aimed at improving the ease of doing business.
Investors are being offered incentives such as capital investment assistance, stamp duty and electricity duty exemptions, interest subsidies and employment-linked incentives, he said.
Mineral Revenue Rises from Rs 400 Crore to Over Rs 16,000 Crore
Highlighting the growth of the state’s mineral sector, CM Sai said Chhattisgarh’s mineral revenue was around Rs 400 crore when the state was formed.
The revenue had increased to around Rs 12,000 crore two-and-a-half years ago and has now crossed Rs 16,000 crore, he said.
The revenue generated from mineral resources is being utilised for development and public welfare initiatives. Projects in mining-affected areas are also being implemented through the District Mineral Foundation (DMF).
CM Launches E-Ret Sangwari and Tin Portal
The Chief Minister also launched two digital initiatives — E-Ret Sangwari and the Tin Portal.
The E-Ret Sangwari portal will facilitate the supply of sand at concessional rates to beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
The Tin Portal has been introduced to ensure that tribal communities associated with tin mining and production in the Dantewada region receive fair prices for their produce, while also bringing greater transparency to the process.
Centre Calls for Responsible Mining and Value Addition
Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey said self-reliance in critical and strategic minerals is essential for strengthening India’s economic and strategic position.
He urged investors, young entrepreneurs and startups to explore emerging opportunities in the sector, while stressing the importance of responsible mining, environmental protection and safeguarding the interests of local communities.
Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu said the success of mineral block auctions should ultimately be reflected in increased exploration, investment, processing facilities, technological development, value addition and employment generation.
He also called for planned development of civic infrastructure in areas witnessing mining and industrial investments.
Government to Provide Handholding Support to Investors
Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel said the state government would provide handholding support to investors in obtaining environmental, forest, land acquisition and other necessary approvals.
He urged investors to look beyond mining and explore opportunities across the entire mineral value chain and downstream industries.
88 Critical Mineral Blocks Auctioned Across India So Far
Union Ministry of Mines Secretary Keshav Chandra said 88 critical and strategic mineral blocks have so far been put up for auction across the country, of which 56 have been successfully auctioned.
He noted that the Katghora lithium and rare earth element block in Chhattisgarh was the first lithium-bearing mineral block in India to be auctioned.
Over 2,800 Km of Geological Surveys Completed
Mineral Resources Secretary P. Dayanand said the state is strengthening scientific exploration, geological data collection, mapping and transparent auction mechanisms to support mineral-based industries, local employment and value addition.
Director of Mineral Resources and Managing Director of CMDC Rajat Bansal said that under the direction of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the state is focusing on scientific exploration along with sustainable mining practices.
Chhattisgarh received around Rs 16,700 crore in mineral revenue during the last financial year, which was approximately 98 per cent of the target. Mineral revenue also registered around 14 per cent year-on-year growth, he said.
Over the past two-and-a-half years, 40 exploration projects have been launched and more than 2,800 km of geological surveys have been completed.
So far, 65 mineral blocks have been auctioned, with their potential revenue estimated at around Rs 4 lakh crore, Bansal said.
Focus on Gold, Tungsten, Nickel, Copper and Diamonds
Bansal said Chhattisgarh has significant potential for lithium, graphite, vanadium, gallium, gold, tungsten, nickel, chromium, copper, lead-zinc and diamonds.
Exploration and auction activities are progressing in areas including lithium in Katghora, graphite-vanadium-gallium in Balrampur and the tin belt in Bastar.
Digital systems such as Khanij Online 2.0, DMF 2.0 and e-auction have strengthened transparency and accountability in the mineral sector. Drone surveys are also being used to monitor mines and minor minerals.
Two MoUs Signed; Limestone Block Auction Process Initiated
Two MoUs were also signed during the programme.
The Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC) entered into an agreement with Indian Overseas Bank for financial cooperation.
Another MoU with Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University will facilitate training in corundum cutting and polishing.
A book on minor minerals was also released during the programme, while the process of issuing NITs for three limestone mining lease blocks was initiated.
Senior officials from the Union and state governments, investors from the mineral sector, industry representatives, experts and other stakeholders attended the programme.
