Chhattisgarh has achieved a significant milestone in mineral development. Deccan Gold Mining Limited (DGML) has discovered nickel, chromium, and platinum group elements (PGEs) within a recently acquired joint concession area in the state. This remarkable find marks the beginning of a new era for the exploration and sustainable development of strategic and critical minerals in Chhattisgarh. The discovery was made in the Bhalukona–Jamnidih nickel, chromium, and PGE block in the Mahasamund district, spanning approximately 3,000 hectares. Initial exploration of the area was conducted by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) at the G4 level, indicating the potential presence of these minerals. Based on these findings, the Directorate of Geology and Mining (DGM), under the Department of Mineral Resources, Government of Chhattisgarh, compiled detailed geological data and conducted an e-auction process for the block. The block was successfully auctioned on March 6, 2023, with DGML securing it after placing the highest bid of 21%. Subsequently, DGM Chhattisgarh provided technical guidance and continuous support to expedite exploration activities. Following the receipt of necessary forest and environmental clearances, DGML commenced exploration activities, including detailed geological mapping, rock chip sampling, drone-based magnetic surveys, and Induced Polarization (IP) surveys. The preliminary results have been encouraging. Approximately 700 meters of mineralized zone has been identified, situated within potential mafic-ultramafic rock formations. Geophysical surveys have indicated the presence of sulfide minerals up to a depth of 300 meters, highlighting the block’s rich mineral potential. The Kelverdbury nickel, chromium, and PGE block, located near Bhalukona, was previously awarded to M/s Vedanta Limited through auction. The joint development of these two blocks strengthens the prospects of developing the Mahasamund area as a major hub for strategic minerals in the country. Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai expressed his pleasure at this achievement, stating that this historic discovery is a decisive step towards securing essential mineral resources for the state and the nation. This strengthens the spirit of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission and encourages sustainable and self-reliant development in strategic sectors. The Chhattisgarh government is committed to providing full support for scientific and detailed mineral exploration and development. The state government is giving top priority to the exploration of strategic and important minerals, as evidenced by the exploration proposals for 2024-25, where more than 50% of the proposals are focused on these minerals. So far, the state has successfully auctioned 51 mineral blocks, including extremely important minerals such as graphite, nickel, chromium, PGEs, lithium, glauconite, phosphorite, and graphite-vanadium. In addition, 6 tin blocks have been assigned to the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, for the upcoming auction. To accelerate planned and institutional efforts in this direction, DGM, Chhattisgarh has constituted a Critical Mineral Cell, which is promoting mineral exploration and refinement by increasing collaboration with research, academic, and professional institutions. In this context, Mr. P. Dayanand, Secretary, Department of Mineral Resources, said that this discovery is not just a scientific success but a strategic leap. Considering the increasing global demand, minerals essential for green energy and high-tech technologies — such as nickel and platinum group elements — are the backbone of future technologies. Chhattisgarh is committed to playing a central role in the strategic mineral map of India, and we are ensuring the necessary institutional and operational support for this. Experts believe that this achievement not only strengthens Chhattisgarh’s mineral wealth but also lays the foundation for amazing possibilities in the direction of discovering useful minerals in modern technology, national security, and clean energy sectors.
