Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], August 31 (ANI): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday stressed the need for India to become self-reliant in critical and strategic minerals, saying exploration and mining of such mineral blocks are essential to reduce dependence on external resources.
Addressing a roadshow on the 8th tranche of the auction of Critical and Strategic Mineral Blocks in Raipur, Sai thanked the Centre and the Ministry of Mines for selecting Chhattisgarh to host the event.
"The Prime Minister had said that today the world is using its resources as weapons. In such a situation, it is necessary that we become self-reliant in the case of critical and strategic minerals. This will only be possible when we explore critical and strategic mineral blocks and begin their mining," he said.
Sai highlighted Chhattisgarh's growing role in India's critical mineral ecosystem and emphasised the importance of strengthening domestic supply chains for the growth of both the state and the country.
"Chhattisgarh, with significant resources of lithium and graphite, has the potential to emerge as an important hub for critical minerals and contribute to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat," he said.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of critical minerals for future technologies and economic growth, along with the state's vision to develop Nava Raipur as an AI hub, creating opportunities at the intersection of technology, industry and minerals.
Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey stressed the need to strengthen India's domestic critical mineral industry, reduce import dependence and develop resilient and secure domestic supply chains.
Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, Dubey called for greater investment, exploration and value addition, along with collective efforts by governments, industry and other stakeholders to advance the Critical Minerals Mission.
Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu highlighted Chhattisgarh's strong mining and industrial base and its potential to develop new mineral value chains.
"Critical mineral investments could drive new industrial growth centres, strengthen sustainable urban infrastructure and create opportunities for people. With its infrastructure, skilled workforce and institutional support, Chhattisgarh offers strong potential for long-term investment," he said.
CMDC Chairman Saurabh Singh invited investors to explore the state's mineral potential and highlighted the focus on faster operationalisation and transparent mining practices.
He said two mineral blocks had been operationalised within 11 months, while four pre-embedded mineral blocks are set to be auctioned soon.
CMDC is also promoting transparent benefit disbursement to tribal tin collectors through the TIN Portal and exploring critical minerals such as columbite from tin-bearing resources.
"With technology-driven initiatives like I-Check Gates, Chhattisgarh is further strengthening mineral monitoring, transparency and India's critical mineral security," Singh said.
Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel highlighted Chhattisgarh's efforts to simplify processes, enhance transparency and efficiency, and encourage greater investor participation in the mining sector.
He highlighted Chhattisgarh's leadership in Ease of Doing Business, including being the first state to enact dedicated legislation in this area, and its continued efforts to simplify processes, enhance transparency and efficiency and encourage greater investor participation.
Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Keshav Chandra, said 88 critical and strategic mineral blocks had been put up for auction, of which 56 had been successfully auctioned.
The 8th tranche offers 20 mineral blocks across nine states, including five blocks in Chhattisgarh.
He also highlighted recent reforms in the Mineral (Auction) Rules, including a milestone-based compliance framework, rationalised timelines and provisions to address delays.
The Unified Mining Portal, he said, would further enhance transparency, streamline approvals and strengthen Centre-State coordination for faster operationalisation of mineral blocks.
The roadshow commenced with ceremonial lamp lighting, followed by Vande Mataram and the National Anthem. (ANI)
Chhattisgarh CM Sai stresses need for self-reliance in critical minerals, calls for exploration and mining
