Raipur: The Chhattisgarh Mining Conclave 2025 was successfully held in Raipur, marking a significant step forward for India’s mineral-rich state. The event, presided over by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, witnessed the signing of multiple key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), the launch of cutting-edge digital platforms, and the unveiling of a renewed vision for responsible, transparent, and innovation-driven mining in Chhattisgarh.
Major MoUs Signed for Critical Minerals and Clean Energy Mining
During the conclave, Coal India and the Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC) signed a pivotal MoU focused on mining operations. In a separate agreement, the Indian School of Mines (ISM), Dhanbad and the Chhattisgarh Directorate of Geology and Mining partnered for exploration and extraction of critical minerals, crucial for clean energy technologies.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai emphasized that these partnerships would help Chhattisgarh script a new chapter in developmental and innovative mining.
Launch of Digital Platforms: DMF Portal 2.0, Mining Online 2.0, and Reverse Auction Portal
At the event, CM Sai officially launched three key digital initiatives:
- DMF Portal 2.0 – To strengthen transparency, governance, and monitoring of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) fund utilization in affected areas.
- Mining Online 2.0 – A platform to digitize and streamline mineral operations.
- Reverse Auction Portal for Sand Mining – Developed in partnership with MSTC, a Government of India enterprise, to ensure transparent and fast-track e-auction of sand mines.
Chhattisgarh: A Mineral Powerhouse with Global Potential
Speaking at the conclave, CM Sai reiterated that Chhattisgarh is blessed with abundant mineral resources like iron ore, coal, bauxite, gold, diamond, and copper. Recent discoveries have also strengthened its position in critical and rare earth minerals, positioning the state at the center of India’s resource-based development.
“Judicious use of minerals and balanced industrial development are essential for national growth,” he said.
Record Revenue and National Firsts in Mineral Auctions
Highlighting recent achievements, the CM announced that:
- Chhattisgarh recorded a revenue of ₹14,195 crore in 2024–25 from mining.
- DMF contributions totaled ₹1,673 crore, funding 9,362 development projects.
- Chhattisgarh became India’s first state to auction a lithium block, critical for electric vehicle and battery manufacturing.
- 60 mineral blocks have been auctioned so far, with 5 new tenders already floated.
These milestones underline the state’s commitment to transparent, tech-driven mining.
Reverse Auction for Over 200 Sand Mines Soon
As part of the new Sand Policy 2025, CM Sai confirmed that over 200 sand mines would soon be allocated via the reverse auction process, ensuring faster, fairer distribution and adequate sand supply for beneficiaries of schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
Recognition for Sustainable and Transparent Governance
Chhattisgarh’s mining transparency efforts have already received recognition from the Government of India. The new DMF Portal 2.0 aligns with the PMKKKY (Prime Minister’s Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana) guidelines and updated Chhattisgarh District Mineral Trust Rules, 2015 (amended 2025), ensuring more effective implementation and monitoring of welfare projects in mining-affected districts.
Promoting Ease of Doing Business in Mining Sector
The CM emphasized that the state is committed to improving Ease of Doing Business in the mining sector. The MoU with MSTC for the reverse auction portal is a step towards ensuring transparent, fair, and efficient allocation of mineral resources.
“We’re creating an ecosystem that supports investor confidence, resource efficiency, and local development,” Sai added.
Chhattisgarh to Play a Key Role in Realizing Vision of Viksit Bharat 2047
Concluding his address, CM Sai stated that the mining sector will be instrumental in achieving the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ as set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and also in realizing the state’s own goal of a ‘Viksit Chhattisgarh’.
He commended the stakeholders, experts, and policy-makers for contributing to the conclave and said the government remains open to incorporating their suggestions in future policies.
