Chhattisgarh is set to embark on a transformative journey to establish a comprehensive mineral value chain within its borders, covering exploration, mining, processing, innovation, and recycling. The ambitious plan was unveiled

The state's vast mineral wealth and potential in critical minerals are expected to attract significant investment, support new industries, and create employment opportunities. With 20 mineral blocks up for auction across seven states, including five in Chhattisgarh, Sai urged investors to participate and explore opportunities in processing, value addition, innovation, and downstream industries.

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Chhattisgarh boasts potential reserves lithium

Chhattisgarh boasts potential reserves of lithium and rare earth elements in Katghora and Bastar, graphite, vanadium, and gallium in Balrampur, phosphorite in Balod, and nickel, chromium, and glauconite in Mahasamund. The state's mineral revenue has skyrocketed from Rs 400 crore when it was formed to over Rs 16,000 crore today.

The government is leveraging this growth to fund development and public welfare projects, including initiatives in mining-affected areas. To support these efforts, the chief minister launched two new portals: E-Ret Sangwari and Tin Portal.

The former will provide concessional rates for sand supplies to Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana beneficiaries, while the latter aims to ensure fair prices and greater transparency for tribal communities associated with tin in Dantewada.

State officials are working tirelessly to create an investment-friendly environment through its industrial policy. Incentives such as capital investment assistance, stamp duty exemptions, electricity duty reductions, interest subsidies, and employment-linked incentives will be offered to encourage businesses to set up shop in the state.

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"We're strengthening our scientific exploration capabilities, collecting geological data, mapping, and implementing transparent auction systems to promote mineral-based industries, local employment, and value addition," said Mineral Resources Secretary P Dayanand. Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation Managing Director Rajat Bansal reported that 65 mineral blocks have been auctioned so far, with potential revenue estimated at around Rs 4 lakh crore.

"We've launched 40 exploration projects and completed over 2,800 km of geological surveys in the past two and a half years," said Bansal. Additionally, the state signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during the program, including one with Indian Overseas Bank for financial cooperation and another with Pt Ravishankar Shukla University for training in corundum cutting and polishing.