25th Meeting of the State-Level Geological Programming Board (CGPB), Chhattisgarh 2025 Celebrated as Silver Jubilee
Raipur, 21 August
The 25th meeting of the State-Level Geological Programming Board (CGPB), Chhattisgarh, was held today at the New Circuit House, Civil Lines, Raipur, as part of its Silver Jubilee celebrations. The meeting was chaired by Mr. P. Dayanand, Secretary, Mineral Resources Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, and Chairman of CGPB-Chhattisgarh. Also present were Mr. Rajat Bansal, Director of Geology and Mining, and representatives from various departments and public sector undertakings of the central and state governments.
The main objectives of the meeting were:
Optimizing the use of the state’s mineral resources
Planning new mining projects
Reviewing achievements of the past year
A detailed report on the mining activities and accomplishments during the financial year 2024–25 was presented. During the review, it was revealed that the state earned approximately ₹15,000 crore in mineral revenue, which marks a 34% increase compared to 2023–24. This growth not only strengthened the state’s economic structure but also opened new avenues for investment and opportunities in the mining sector.
The meeting also reviewed geological work conducted during 2024–25 by central and state departments and institutions involved in mineral exploration and extraction in Chhattisgarh. Alongside discussing achievements, the board finalized geological work plans proposed for 2025–26 for exploring various minerals found in the state.
In his address, Mr. P. Dayanand, Secretary to the Chief Minister and Secretary of Minerals, stated:
“Minerals are the backbone of holistic development for any state or nation. The exploration of strategic and critical minerals in Chhattisgarh signals the beginning of a new era of development.”
He emphasized the need for sustainable and systematic exploration of various available minerals to establish new mineral-based industries in the state. He urged all departments and institutions associated with exploration to utilize their skills, resources, and latest technologies to explore key minerals for the comprehensive development of Chhattisgarh. He also advised better data sharing and coordination among the agencies involved in mineral development.
Mr. Rajat Bansal, Director, Geology and Mining, informed that during 2024–25:
An estimated 2,500 million tonnes of limestone and about 93 million tonnes of iron ore reserves were identified.
The exploration projects planned for 2025–26 include important and strategic minerals.
These projects will be a decisive step toward meeting the nation’s need for mineral resources and will contribute to the Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission (Self-Reliant India) by promoting sustainable and independent growth in strategic sectors.
He reaffirmed:
“The Government of Chhattisgarh is committed to fully supporting scientific and detailed mineral exploration and development.”
Under the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, approved:
1 exploration project for limestone
1 project for bauxite in 2024–25
Additionally, two exploration proposals by notified private exploration agencies under NMET were approved:
One involving lithium, niobium, tantalum, titanium, and rare earth elements
One for iron ore
The department has taken significant steps to strengthen exploration and mineral processing by promoting collaboration with private institutions.
Representatives from various central and state government departments and PSUs also presented updates on mineral exploration work in the state.
Dr. Amit Dharwarkar, Deputy Director General, Geological Survey of India (GSI), informed that surveys have been conducted in several districts of Chhattisgarh for:
Bauxite, gold, glauconite, lithium, titanium rare earth elements, phosphorite, fluorite, lead, and zinc
For 2025–26, a total of 29 mineral exploration projects are underway.
From the Directorate of Geology and Mining, Chhattisgarh, 11 exploration projects have been approved for 2025–26, including:
2 on strategic and critical minerals
2 on glauconite
1 on lepidolite
2 on limestone
2 on iron ore
2 on bauxite
Notable attendees included:
Mr. Prem Prakash, Regional Controller, IBM Raipur
Mr. D. Das, Regional Mining Geologist
Mr. Amit E. Dharwarkar, Deputy Director General, GSI Raipur
Mr. S.R. Manthanwar, Regional Director, Central Region, AMD
Officers from NMDC, CIL, Vedanta, UltraTech, Deccan Gold, and other concerned departments
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