Raipur, Aug 31: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday announced Chhattisgarh’s target to establish an end-to-end mineral value chain spanning exploration, processing, value addition, advanced manufacturing, and recycling within the state.

Addressing a roadshow organised by the Union Ministry of Mines at Mayfair Lake Resort in Nava Raipur for the eighth tranche of critical and strategic mineral block auctions, Sai invited national and international investors to bid for five critical mineral blocks currently up for auction in the state.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, self-reliance in strategic minerals is vital for India’s economic growth, national security, and high-tech sectors like AI, semiconductors, and electric mobility,” the Chief Minister stated. He highlighted Chhattisgarh’s rich reserves, including 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.

During the event, Sai also launched two digital initiatives: the E-Ret Sangwari portal, designed to supply sand at concessional rates to Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana beneficiaries, and the Tin Portal, aimed at providing fair pricing and transparency for tribal collectors in the Dantewada region.

Highlighting the state’s financial trajectory, Sai noted that Chhattisgarh’s annual mineral revenue has surged from ₹400 crore at its formation to over ₹16,000 crore today. He affirmed that revenues generated from natural resources will fund infrastructure and community welfare through the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT).

The roadshow also witnessed the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)—between Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC) and Indian Overseas Bank for financial support, and with Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University for gemology training in corundum cutting. Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel assured investors of fast-tracked regulatory clearances across forestry, environment, and land acquisition.