Raipur: Chhattisgarh has emerged as an important part of India’s efforts to secure domestic supplies of critical and strategic minerals, with five mineral blocks from the state included in the 8th tranche of the auction of critical and strategic mineral blocks.
The development was highlighted at a roadshow organised by the Ministry of Mines in Raipur on August 31, bringing together the state government, central officials, industry representatives and prospective investors.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted Chhattisgarh’s substantial mineral resources and its established mining and industrial base. He called for greater investment, faster development of mineral resources and closer coordination between the Centre and the state to unlock the sector’s potential.
The state government also assured investors of support in creating a conducive environment for sustainable mineral development.
20 Blocks Offered Across Nine States
The 8th tranche comprises 20 critical and strategic mineral blocks, including:
- 17 Composite Licence blocks
- 3 Mining Lease blocks
- Blocks spread across nine states
- Minerals covered include Graphite, Rare Earth Elements, Rare Metals, Vanadium, Gallium, Titanium, Molybdenum, Tungsten, Potash, Phosphorite and Glauconite
- Five of the 20 blocks are located in Chhattisgarh
Read Also: Chhattisgarh: Nava Raipur to Host Roadshow on Auction of 20 Critical and Strategic Mineral Blocks
The auction is part of the Centre’s broader strategy to expand domestic exploration and production of minerals considered essential for strategic industries, clean energy technologies and emerging sectors.
Centre Seeks Greater Industry Participation
Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey underlined the growing importance of critical minerals for India’s economic and industrial development.
He emphasised the need to accelerate exploration and development while encouraging greater participation from industry and investors.
According to the Ministry of Mines, strengthening capabilities across the entire mineral value chain—from exploration and mining to processing and refining—will be important for reducing supply-chain vulnerabilities and advancing India’s mineral security.
56 of 88 Blocks Auctioned Successfully
Ministry of Mines Secretary Keshav Chandra said policy reforms, transparent auctions and efforts to speed up operationalisation have strengthened India’s critical mineral ecosystem.
Of the 88 critical and strategic mineral blocks offered so far, 56 have been successfully auctioned, according to the Ministry.
The focus is now increasingly shifting beyond the auction of mineral assets towards their early operationalisation and development.
Push for Processing and Value Addition
Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Sandeep Kadam stressed that India’s critical mineral strategy cannot remain limited to mining.
He called for greater emphasis on:
- Processing and refining
- Domestic value addition
- Faster operationalisation of auctioned blocks
- Collaboration between the Centre, states and industry
- Development of resilient domestic supply chains
The objective is to build a stronger domestic ecosystem for critical minerals and reduce dependence on external sources for strategically important resources.
Chhattisgarh Highlights Technology-Driven Mining
Chairman of Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC) Saurabh Singh invited investors to explore the state’s mineral potential and highlighted measures aimed at improving transparency and speeding up mining operations.
Among the initiatives highlighted was the TIN Portal, which facilitates transparent benefit disbursement to tribal tin collectors. The state is also exploring critical minerals such as Columbite.
The state’s infrastructure, skilled workforce and institutional support were presented as factors that could help attract long-term investment into emerging mineral value chains.
Review Meeting Focuses on Operationalising Allocated Blocks
Following the roadshow, a review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Ministry of Mines Secretary Keshav Chandra with mineral block allottees and preferred bidders.
The meeting focused on removing implementation-related challenges and accelerating the operationalisation of allocated blocks.
Officials from the Centre and Chhattisgarh reviewed issues raised by allottees and discussed measures for their timely resolution.
The government said the efforts are aimed at increasing domestic mineral production and strengthening India’s critical mineral supply chain as part of its broader push towards a self-reliant and mineral-secure India.
