Prudent exploitation of mineral resources – a big step towards self-reliant economy
Balance of forest conservation and mining: Expansion of greenery along with development
State’s economy shining with minerals – historic increase of 34 times in mineral revenue
Raipur October 23, 2025/Chhattisgarh is no longer just synonymous with greenery and culture, but has also established its identity as the mineral capital of India. A large part of the country’s total mineral reserves is hidden in the earth of Chhattisgarh. This is why the contribution of minerals to the state’s economy is continuously increasing, and the share of the mineral sector in the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GSDP) has reached about 10 percent. At the time of the state’s formation, mineral revenue was Rs 429 crore, which has now increased to Rs 14,592 crore. The state’s mineral revenue has increased 34 times in 25 years. This achievement of Chhattisgarh state, while maintaining environmental balance, is particularly noteworthy.
It is also noteworthy here that from 1980 to date, only 28,700 hectares of land has been allocated for mining in Chhattisgarh under the Forest Conservation Act, which is 0.47 percent of the state’s forest area of 59.82 lakh hectares and 0.21 percent of the state’s total geographical area of 135 lakh hectares. With the mandatory plantation of 5 to 10 times the area felled in mining areas, the state’s forest area has increased by 68,362 hectares, which is the highest in the country according to the India State of Forest Report.
Mineral revenue is not only providing economic strength to the state, but also opening new employment opportunities for thousands of youths. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai, the Chhattisgarh government is creating a new definition of “Development through Minerals” by linking the exploitation of mineral wealth with environmental balance and public interest.
Coal, an important mineral among Chhattisgarh’s major minerals, is the largest source of energy. Chhattisgarh is the second largest coal-producing state in the country. The coal reserves in the state are 74,192 million tonnes, which is about 20.53 percent of the country’s coal reserves. Chhattisgarh’s share in coal production is 20.73 percent of the country. Chhattisgarh ranks second among the coal-producing states in the country. The coal from the state is used in thermal power plants, cement, steel, and coal-based small and medium industries. Chhattisgarh’s contribution to energy sector self-sufficiency is important for the entire country.
Iron ore is the backbone of the country’s steel industry, which is abundantly available in Chhattisgarh. Iron ore reserves of 4,592 million tonnes are present in the mountain ranges stretching from Kabirdham to Dallirajhara and Danteshwara Bailadila, which account for 19.09 percent of the national reserves. Chhattisgarh’s contribution to national production is 16.64 percent. NMDC’s Bailadila mines (Dantewada) and Dalli-Rajhara mines (Balod) are the lifelines of the country’s steel industries. High-quality iron ore is supplied from here to Bhilai Steel Plant and industries across the country. Chhattisgarh ranks second in the country in iron ore production.
Chhattisgarh has 992 million tonnes of bauxite reserves, which is 20 percent of the country’s reserves. Chhattisgarh’s contribution to national production is 4.3 percent. Companies like Hindalco, Vedanta, and CMDC are active in Surguja, Balrampur, and Kabirdham districts. Aluminum produced from bauxite is important for the energy, construction, and defense industries.
Limestone is the backbone of the cement industry. The state has reserves of 13,211 million tonnes of limestone, which is 5.8 percent of the country’s total reserves. Chhattisgarh’s contribution to national production is 11 percent. Plants like Ultratech, ACC, Ambuja, Shree Cement, Grasim are operational in Balodabazar, Raipur, Janjgir-Champa, and Raigarh districts. Balodabazar is now called the ‘Cement Hub’.
100 percent of the country’s tin production occurs in Chhattisgarh. Reserves of 30 million tonnes of tin ore, which is of strategic importance, are available here. This mineral, found in Dantewada and Sukma, is very important for the electronics and defense industries. The state government has implemented a provision for its purchase through Scheduled Tribe cooperative societies.
The state has 992 million tonnes of dolomite reserves, which is 20 percent of the national reserves. It is mainly found in Raipur, Durg, Bemetara, Bilaspur, Janjgir-Champa, and Raigarh districts. This mineral is useful as a flux material in the steel industry. Certified diamond reserves are located in the Behradiah and Paylikhand areas of Gariaband district. In addition to 2780 kg of gold reserves in Sonakhan area of Balodabazar district, possibilities of gold and diamond minerals have also been found in Jashpur, Mahasamund, and Kanker districts.
Minor minerals also play a significant role in Chhattisgarh. Mining of 37 types of minor minerals such as sand, murram, building stone, ordinary clay, low-grade limestone, dolomite, and granite takes place in almost every district of the state. Sand and soil are widely used in the construction of roads, buildings, and bridges. The state receives substantial local revenue, employment, and a large share of panchayat funds from minor minerals. District Panchayats and Nagar Nikay receive hundreds of crores of rupees in revenue annually from these minerals, which accelerates rural development work. Along with mineral development, the state government has given special attention to environmental protection and the rehabilitation of areas affected by mining. Schemes like education, health, drinking water, and roads are being implemented through DMF.
The balance that Chhattisgarh has presented between mineral development and environmental protection has become a sustainable growth model for the entire country today. Here, development and greenery are not opposites, but complements.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai, Chhattisgarh has proven that if there is foresight in policy and sensitivity in implementation, mineral wealth can be reflected not only in the depths of the earth but also in the prosperity of people’s lives.
