The 25th meeting of the Chhattisgarh Geological Program Mandal, held at the New Circuit House, Civil Lines, focused on advancements in the state’s mining sector. The meeting, presided over by P. Dayanan, Secretary of the Mineral Resources Department and Chairman of the Mandal, saw participation from key government officials and representatives. The primary aim was to strategize on mineral resource utilization, draft new mining project outlines, and review the previous year’s accomplishments.
A key highlight was the presentation of a detailed overview of mining activities and achievements during 2024-25. The state witnessed a significant surge in mineral revenue, reaching approximately ₹15,000 crore, marking a 34% increase from 2023-24. This financial growth is expected to bolster the state’s economy and stimulate further investment in the mining sector.
P. Dayanan emphasized the pivotal role of minerals in driving comprehensive development across states and nations. The discovery of strategic and critical minerals in Chhattisgarh is seen as a harbinger of a new developmental phase. He advocated for systematic exploration of the state’s mineral resources to foster the growth of mineral-based industries.
Attendees from various exploration-related departments and institutions were urged to leverage their expertise and the latest technologies to explore the state’s valuable minerals. Additionally, Dayanan proposed enhanced data sharing and coordination among the agencies working on mineral development in Chhattisgarh.
Rajat Bansal, Director of Geology and Mining, provided insights into the regional activities of 2024-25, including the estimation of approximately 2500 million tonnes of limestone and 93 million tonnes of iron ore reserves. The department plans to incorporate significant and strategic minerals in its upcoming exploration projects for 2025-26.
These initiatives are viewed as crucial steps towards securing essential mineral resources for the country, reinforcing the Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission, and promoting sustainable development in strategic sectors. The Chhattisgarh government reiterated its commitment to supporting comprehensive mineral exploration and development.
The Ministry of Mines, Government of India, has approved exploration projects in Chhattisgarh under NMET, including one for limestone and one for bauxite, for the year 2024-25. The department is also fostering collaborations with private institutions to strengthen exploration and mineral resource refinement. These efforts are aimed at advancing the state’s mineral sector.
Further, the meeting included presentations on mineral exploration activities by representatives from various government departments. The Geological Survey of India’s Deputy Director General, Dr. Amit Dharwarker, reported on survey work for various minerals such as bauxite, gold, lithium, and rare earth metals across Chhattisgarh. The upcoming year, 2025-26, will see the implementation of 29 projects focusing on different minerals.
The Directorate of Geology and Mining, Chhattisgarh, has sanctioned 11 exploration projects for 2025-26, encompassing strategic and critical minerals, glauconite, lepidolite, limestone, iron ore, and bauxite. Key officials from IBM, GSI, AMD, and prominent mining companies attended the meeting, underscoring the collaborative approach to advancing Chhattisgarh’s mineral potential.