Raipur: Chhattisgarh is moving to develop a complete value chain around its corundum resources, linking mining with local processing, skilled employment, jewellery production and market opportunities. The initiative gained momentum with an MoU between the Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation Limited (CMDC) and Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, signed in the presence of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
The partnership aims to bring local youth and artisans into activities ranging from gemstone identification and handling to cutting, polishing and product development. The university will act as the knowledge partner and provide modern, technology-based training.
Corundum Mining Resumes in Bijapur
The Kuchnoor corundum mine in Bijapur district’s Bhopalpatnam area has resumed operations after nearly 25 years. Mining restarted in February 2025, with high-quality corundum being extracted using scientific methods.
The mine is operated through Chhattisgarh Corundum Mines Limited, a joint venture between CMDC and M/s N.C. Nahar.
Around 240 kg of extracted corundum is currently stored at the mine. Of this, 157.643 kg has been transported, including 107.989 kg of B-grade and 49.654 kg of industrial-grade corundum.
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Focus on Jobs Beyond Mining
The state government wants mineral development to create opportunities beyond extraction. The Kuchnoor mine has already generated employment and self-employment opportunities for 14 local youths.
Under the new approach, local communities, artisans, self-help groups, startups and entrepreneurs will be encouraged to participate in different stages of the corundum value chain.
Training by Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University will help local youth develop skills in gemstone identification, handling, cutting and polishing. This could create opportunities for both wage employment and small businesses.
Bastar Brand to Add Value
The state also plans to develop high-quality Kuchnoor corundum under the ‘Bastar Brand’. The idea is to connect the mineral with local designs, quality standards and authenticity.
Corundum-based jewellery and gemstone products will be promoted through branding and marketing. This could help connect Bastar’s traditional art and craftsmanship with its mineral resources and wider markets.
The participation of local enterprises, startups, artisans and investors could further support the emergence of new businesses based on corundum processing and finished products.
Exploration of New Corundum Areas
The government is also exploring other potential corundum-bearing areas in Bijapur district. Exploration and prospecting activities are underway in the Bhopalpatnam region, including Kuchnoor and other identified areas.
Work is also progressing on reserving areas and processing applications in Dhangol and other locations, with the aim of expanding future mining activities.
From Mineral Extraction to Economic Empowerment
Transparent auctions of extracted corundum could help increase state revenue while creating opportunities to establish Bastar’s mineral resources in national and international markets.
The larger focus is on ensuring that the economic benefits of mining reach local communities. Instead of limiting the mineral economy to extraction, Chhattisgarh is seeking to build a chain that connects mining, processing, skills, entrepreneurship, branding and marketing.
The initiative aligns mineral development with local employment and economic empowerment. If successfully implemented, the corundum value chain could provide a new avenue for youth and artisans in Bastar while giving greater commercial value to the region’s natural resources.
