Raipur: Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai held a high-level review meeting on November 3 to assess the state’s mining and coal sectors, with particular attention to mineral exploration, coal production, critical minerals and the development of mining-affected communities.
The meeting, held at the Chief Minister’s residential office in Raipur, also reviewed mineral block auctions, the adoption of modern technology in mining operations and the utilisation of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds.
According to a presentation by the Directorate of Geology and Mining, Chhattisgarh generated mineral revenue of ₹16,738 crore during the financial year 2025-26. Production of coal, iron ore, limestone and tin also recorded an increase during the period.
Focus on Critical Minerals and Faster Operationalisation of Mineral Blocks
A major focus of the meeting was accelerating mineral exploration and developing critical and strategic mineral resources to meet India’s growing industrial requirements.
Reddy emphasised the need to identify new mineral deposits using modern scientific technologies and increase domestic production to reduce dependence on imports.
The minerals discussed included:
- Lithium
- Graphite
- Rare Earth Elements
- Vanadium
- Gallium
- Phosphorite
- Tin
The meeting also reviewed the progress of mineral block auctions, including lithium and tin blocks, along with the operational status of allotted mines.
Reddy called for expediting statutory clearances and other procedures required to operationalise auctioned mineral blocks.
Coal Production and SECL Operations Reviewed
The meeting reviewed operational and non-operational coal blocks in Chhattisgarh, production capacities, infrastructure requirements and pending statutory clearances.
Reddy stressed the need to increase coal production and improve coordination among departments and agencies to address operational challenges.
A separate review meeting was also held with South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited.
Discussions covered coal production, operational performance, pending issues at the district level and challenges affecting mining projects. District collectors from the concerned districts participated through video conferencing.
Reddy Calls for Effective Utilisation of DMF Funds
The utilisation of District Mineral Foundation funds was another key subject of discussion.
Reddy emphasised that DMF resources should primarily improve the living conditions of people in mining-affected areas and neighbouring communities.
He called for greater utilisation of these funds in areas such as:
- Education and healthcare
- Drinking water facilities
- Livelihood generation
- Basic infrastructure
- Development of mining-affected regions
The Union Minister also highlighted special relaxations available under DMF rules for Chhattisgarh’s previously Naxal-affected districts. He urged the concerned authorities to utilise these provisions in accordance with the rules to accelerate development initiatives.
Khanij Online 2.0 and Drone Surveillance for Mining Monitoring
The state government’s technology-based initiatives to improve transparency and monitoring in mining operations were also discussed.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted the use of digital systems and modern technology to strengthen mineral administration and curb illegal mining and transportation.
Key initiatives discussed included:
- Khanij Online 2.0: A digital platform aimed at improving transparency and administrative efficiency in mineral management.
- Drone-based surveillance: Technology-assisted monitoring of mining activities.
- Digital monitoring systems: Improved oversight of mineral transportation and mining operations.
- Star ratings for mining activities: A mechanism highlighted for strengthening monitoring and performance assessment.
Reddy appreciated the state’s technology-driven reforms and efforts to improve transparency in the mining sector.
Bastar’s TIN Portal to Support Tribal Tin Collectors
The Union Minister also appreciated the TIN (Tribal Incentives on Natural Resources) portal, developed by the Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation in collaboration with Indian Overseas Bank.
Launched by Chief Minister Sai on August 31, 2026, the platform is designed to ensure transparent procurement and better prices for tin ore collected by tribal communities in Bastar.
It digitises the procurement, transportation, pricing, sale and payment processes. Prices are linked to the London Metal Exchange, while payments are transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
According to information presented at the meeting:
- In 2024-25, more than 8,707 kg of tin ore was procured for approximately ₹90.82 lakh.
- In 2025-26, procurement increased to more than 20,895 kg.
- Payments to tribal collectors during 2025-26 amounted to approximately ₹3.81 crore.
The procurement process is currently operational through six centres in Dantewada and Sukma districts, while three additional centres are being established.
The portal also provides digital registration, QR-code-based verification, SMS alerts and real-time monitoring.
The meeting also discussed initiatives to develop columbite resources in Bastar, with attention to creating livelihood opportunities for tribal communities through responsible mineral development.
Scientific Mine Closure and Land Restoration Emphasised
Reddy also stressed the importance of scientific and systematic mine closure after the completion of extraction activities.
He called for action plans to restore mined land and explore its productive reuse while maintaining ecological balance and considering the interests of local communities.
The meeting emphasised that mining activities should be undertaken responsibly, with attention to environmental conservation and the needs of communities living in mining-affected areas.
Sai Calls for Responsible and Transparent Use of Mineral Resources
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said Chhattisgarh’s mineral resources play an important role in India’s industrial and economic development.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to scientific, responsible and transparent utilisation of mineral resources in coordination with the Centre.
Sai said mineral wealth should contribute not only to industrial growth but also to employment generation, improved livelihoods and the welfare of mining-affected and tribal communities.
He also highlighted the importance of environmental conservation, technology-driven reforms and inclusive development while strengthening Chhattisgarh’s contribution to the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
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