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Journalism of Courage
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday said that scientific mining practices and digital governance are “writing a new story of growth and transparency” in the state, as he inaugurated the Chhattisgarh Mining Conclave 2025 in Nava Raipur.
The event, held after a gap of nine years, saw a series of major agreements and policy launches aimed at modernising the state’s mineral sector. These included a memorandum of understanding between the Indian School of Mines (ISM) Dhanbad and the Directorate of Geology & Mining, Chhattisgarh, and another between Coal India and the Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC).
Sai also launched Khanij Online 2.0, DMF Portal 2.0, and a Reverse Auction Portal for sand mine e-auctions which are digital platforms meant to enhance transparency and ease of doing business in the sector.
Record Revenue, New Policy Push
Highlighting the state’s mining potential, Sai said Chhattisgarh earned a record Rs 14,195 crore in revenue from the sector in FY 2024-25 and received Rs 1,673 crore under the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), funding over 9,300 development projects.
Sai noted that Chhattisgarh is the first state in India to auction a lithium block, underscoring its role in India’s push for critical minerals vital to the clean energy transition. So far, 60 mineral blocks have been auctioned, and tenders for five new blocks were issued today, Sai added.
The Chief Minister also announced the implementation of District Mineral Trust Rules-2025 under the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY), saying the upgraded DMF Portal has strengthened accountability in the use of funds for mining-affected areas.
Technology and Sustainability
Sai said the new Sand Policy-2025 will further transparency, with over 200 sand quarries set to be e-auctioned soon. The state has partnered with MSTC, a Government of India PSU, to operationalise a Reverse Auction Portal for fair and efficient sand mine allotments.
Sustainable Mining
The Chief Minister also presented the Star Awards to 43 mines for excellence in environmental management and safety standards. Of these, three received 5-Star, 32 earned 4-Star, and eight bagged 3-Star ratings. The awards mark Chhattisgarh’s efforts to promote scientific mining even among minor mineral operations.
With 28 minerals currently being mined, including tin, bauxite, coal, limestone, and iron ore, Chhattisgarh is positioning itself as a national model for innovation-driven and environmentally responsible mining.
