Chhattisgarh launches e-auction for limestone, iron ore, and bauxite blocks to boost industrial growth

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh has kickstarted the e-auction process for new mineral blocks of limestone, iron ore, and bauxite, aiming to drive industrial investment and local development through transparent, technology-enabled mechanisms.A pre-bid conference at Nava Raipur brought together investors and industrial stakeholders keen on leveraging Chhattisgarh’s rich mineral reserves. The event focused on showcasing the economic viability of upcoming mineral blocks and encouraging participation through a fair and transparent auction system.Addressing the gathering, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and Mineral Secretary P Dayanand highlighted that the state’s new industrial policy provides an ideal foundation for mineral-based industrial development. "Our mission is aligned with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat, Viksit Chhattisgarh.’ The state offers immense opportunities for industries relying on mineral resources," he said.Dayanand underscored Chhattisgarh’s unique geological advantage, being one of the few states in India with abundant deposits of over 28 major minerals including coal, limestone, dolomite, iron ore, bauxite, tin, lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements.He noted that 51 mineral blocks have already been successfully auctioned, and the state aims to accelerate this further. Research and exploration efforts are being driven by a special task force to identify high-potential mineral zones. Additionally, a Drill Core Library is being set up at Sonakhan Bhavan to improve the quality and precision of exploration data.The state’s Directorate of Geology and Mining (DGM) has put 9 mineral blocks up for auction: including fourlimestone blocks, two iron ore blocks and threebauxite blocks.The limestone blocks, with reserves exceeding 200 million tonnes, are located in Balodabazar, Surajpur, and Balrampur districts, with an average calcium oxide content of over 42%, making them highly suitable for cement production.“These blocks represent lucrative industrial opportunities,” said Dayanand. “I invite investors to see Chhattisgarh as a prime destination for mineral-based industries and take full advantage of our pro-industry policies and investor-friendly environment.”He assured full govt support in terms of transparent procedures, timely approvals, and robust infrastructure to facilitate seamless industrial setup.Director of Mines, Rajat Bansal, provided a comprehensive overview of the e-auction platform, noting that all block-related details are available online. He emphasized that the proposed blocks are well-connected by road and rail, and the local workforce is abundant, making industrial operations both logistically viable and economically feasible.He added that each site has the potential to host industrial units with 3 to 4 million tonnes of annual production capacity, which could generate significant employment at the local level.The pre-bid conference witnessed participation from a wide range of stakeholders, including investors, industrial representatives, geologists, and technical experts. Among the key attendees were: “This is not just about auctions,” concluded Mineral Secretary Dayanand. “It’s about building a future-ready Chhattisgarh, driven by industry, innovation, and inclusive growth.”