Nava Raipur, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday launched several digital initiatives and signed key agreements at the Chhattisgarh Mining Conclave 2025 in Nava Raipur, marking a significant push for transparent and scientific resource management in the state. The Conclave, reorganised after nine years, showcased Chhattisgarh’s commitment to strengthening its position as a leader in innovative mining practices.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister asserted that through scientific and sustainable mining, Chhattisgarh is “writing a new story of development and transparency” and will play a leading role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat. The state is rich in iron ore, coal, and bauxite, and its potential is further enhanced by recent discoveries of critical and rare minerals, he said.
CM Sai launched three major digital initiatives: Mineral Online 2.0, District Mineral Fund (DMF) Portal 2.0, and a Reverse Auction Portal for transparent sand mine auctions. Key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed between ISM Dhanbad and the Directorate of Geology & Mining and Coal India and the Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC) for the exploration of critical minerals.
The Chief Minister highlighted the state’s financial achievements in the sector. In the financial year 2024–25, Chhattisgarh earned a record revenue of ₹14,195 crore and received ₹1,673 crore under the District Mineral Fund (DMF), which is financing 9,362 development projects.
Sai noted that Chhattisgarh is the first state in India to auction lithium blocks and has successfully auctioned 60 mineral blocks to date. Further bolstering operations, Nitices Inviting Tenders (NITs) were issued for five new mining blocks, and Preferred Bidder Orders were awarded to nine mines. The transparent e-auction of over 200 sand mines was also announced.
CMDC Chairman Saurabh Singh emphasised that mining activities under CM Sai’s leadership have significantly boosted both revenue and employment. He revealed that the state has started producing new elements from tin sludge and is actively working on critical ore recycling and e-waste management.
Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel stressed the government’s priority on ease of doing business, stakeholder participation, and green technologies like solar energy and e-waste recycling.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Sai distributed Star Rating Awards to mines for sustainable practices, with three mines receiving the top 5-Star rating, 32 mines receiving 4-Star, and eight mines receiving 3-Star recognition.
The event was attended by senior officials, including CM’s Secretary Rahul Bhagat, SECL Bilaspur’s Chief General Manager Harish Duhan, ministers, industrialists, and other representatives from the mining sector.