Modi's Initiative and Chhattisgarh Becomes Source of Rare, Critical and Strategic Metals
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| Modi Govt’s Initiative and Chhattisgarh Becomes Source of Rare, Critical and Strategic Metals |
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unwavering vision for a self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat) continues to unfold across various sectors — from defense to digital, from agriculture to atomic energy. One of the lesser explored but strategically vital frontiers under this mission is the excavation and development of rare and critical minerals that were long neglected under decades of Congress-led governance.
Since 2014, the Modi government has consistently prioritized indigenous resource utilization, pushing India towards resource independence. A significant chapter in this narrative is now being written from the mineral-rich soil of Chhattisgarh, where recent discoveries have brought to light India's potential as a future hub for rare, critical, and strategic metals.
Major Discovery in Chhattisgarh: A Leap in Critical Mineral Security
As part of this self-reliance drive, Chhattisgarh has emerged as a pivotal player, with recent discoveries of three key mineral elements:
Platinum (Rare Metal)
Nickel (Critical Metal)
Chromium (Strategic Metal)
These elements, vital for clean energy, defense, EVs, medical technology, and high-end industrial use, were discovered in the Bhalukona-Jamnidih block of Mahasamund district, spanning nearly 3,000 hectares.
This marks a paradigm shift — from dependency on foreign suppliers to indigenous development of high-value resources.
Why These Metals Matter
MetalTypeKey UsesPlatinumRare MetalAuto catalytic converters, medical devices, hydrogen fuel cells, jewelryNickelCriticalEV batteries, stainless steel, alloys for aerospaceChromiumStrategicStainless steel, industrial plating, refractories
Currently, India spends significant foreign exchange to import these materials. The availability of these within Chhattisgarh promises to reduce import dependency, save foreign currency, and boost indigenous industries.
The Process & Responsible Agencies
Initial Exploration: Geological Survey of India (GSI) conducted preliminary G-4 level surveys.State Follow-up: Chhattisgarh’s Directorate of Geology & Mining (DGM) carried out detailed exploration and facilitated auction.
Auction Winner: M/s Deccan Gold Mining Ltd (DGML) acquired the block via e-auction held on 6th March 2023, with a 21% revenue share bid.
Ongoing Support: DGM continues to provide technical guidance for deeper exploration.
Geological Insights
The minerals are found in mafic-ultramafic rocks, similar to major global deposits in Australia and Finland.
Sulphide mineralization has been confirmed up to a depth of 300 meters, indicating long-term extraction potential.
In addition to the three metals, Platinum Group Elements (PGE) and Copper have also been reported in the same geological zone.
Chhattisgarh Government’s Strategic Focus
Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai hailed this discovery as:“A historic and strategic milestone that will strengthen the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The state is fully committed to advancing scientific exploration and mineral-based development.”
To institutionalize this effort, the state government has established a Critical Mineral Cell, and 51 mineral blocks — including those of lithium, graphite, nickel, and chromium — have already been auctioned.
Strategic and Economic Impact
These minerals are essential for green technologies like EVs and solar panels, as well as high-tech manufacturing and defense.
The Mahasamund district is now poised to become a strategic mineral hub, similar to global benchmarks.
Neighboring mineral-rich blocks like Kelwardabri, already auctioned to Vedanta Ltd, reinforce the state’s rising importance in India’s mineral economy.
Chhattisgarh’s Role in New India’s Future
This groundbreaking discovery underlines how Modi government’s visionary push for Atmanirbhar Bharat is bearing fruit even in untapped domains like rare and critical minerals.
With Chhattisgarh now emerging as a source of strategic metals, India is not only securing its industrial future but also laying the foundation for economic sovereignty.
In essence, the earth beneath Chhattisgarh’s red soil may now be powering India’s green and high-tech future.
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