Raipur: Chhattisgarh is on track to achieve a mineral revenue target of Rs 17,000 crore for the 2025-26 fiscal year, having already earned Rs 10,345 crore till December, according to P. Dayanand, Secretary of the state Mineral Resource Department. Speaking at a press conference in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar on Thursday, Dayanand highlighted the state’s remarkable growth in mineral revenue over the past two decades.
Steady Growth in Mineral Revenue
Since its formation in 2000, when mineral revenue stood at just Rs 429 crore, Chhattisgarh has seen sustained growth. By its silver jubilee year 2024-25, the figure had reached Rs 14,592 crore, reflecting systematic exploration, planned development, and mining policies.
“Chhattisgarh contributes around 17% of India’s total mineral production and nearly 10% of the state’s GDP. The state’s rich natural resources have been harnessed effectively through strategic policies and mining initiatives,” Dayanand said.
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DMF-Funded Development Works
In line with the Prime Minister Khanij Kalyan Kshetra Yojana (PMKKKY) Guidelines-2024, amendments have been made to the Chhattisgarh District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Trust Rules, 2015.
- Total DMF contributions received: Rs 16,742 crore
- Total development works approved: 1,07,689
- Works completed: 75,901
To ensure effective monitoring and accountability, the state has launched DMF Portal 2.0, modeled on the Centre’s DMF portal, enabling better oversight of DMF-funded projects in mining-affected areas.
Focus on Critical Minerals and Lithium
Highlighting the importance of critical minerals for achieving the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, Dayanand said the state is actively pursuing exploration and mining of strategic minerals.
- Chhattisgarh became the first state to auction a lithium block, with lithium and rare mineral blocks auctioned in Katghora tehsil, Korba district.
- The opening of lithium mines is expected to create employment opportunities for local youth.
- A project under the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) has been approved for the exploration of lithium, niobium, tantalum, and rare earth elements (REE) in the Bengpal-Elingnar-Komakoleng area of Sukma and Bastar districts through private sector exploration agencies.
Diverse Mineral Resources
Chhattisgarh is home to over 28 types of minerals across various regions. The Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC) plays a key role in mining, exploration, and marketing of minerals such as tin, bauxite, iron ore, copper, diamond, manganese, corundum, dolomite, and coal.
The state government prepares mineral blocks for exploration and mining, offering them through auctions and other channels, which has contributed to a significant increase in mineral revenue over the past two years.
Vision for Sustainable Mineral Development
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Chhattisgarh has witnessed notable transformation in mineral resource management. The focus on lithium, rare minerals, and systematic mining policies is designed to ensure sustained revenue growth, create employment, and contribute to India’s broader energy and industrial goals.
With strategic investments in critical minerals and mining infrastructure, Chhattisgarh aims to remain a key contributor to India’s mineral economy while driving regional development and industrial growth.
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