Rs 636 crore more revenue received as compared to the year 2021-22
Mineral revenue increased more than two and a half times as compared to the year 2017-18
For the first time in the country, two blocks of nickel-chromium were allocated through e-auction in Chhattisgarh.
More than 01 lakh crore amount will be received from the mineral blocks allotted through e-auction in the last years
Review meeting of Mineral Resources Department chaired by Special Secretary Shri Maurya
Raipur, 23 June 2023
A record revenue of Rs 12,941 crore has been received from minerals in Chhattisgarh in the year 2022-23. This amount is Rs 636 crore more than the year 2021-22. In the year 2021-22, the total mineral revenue was Rs 12,305 crore. In the year 2017-18, the mineral revenue income was about Rs 4911 crore, compared to which the mineral revenue income in the year 2022-23 is more than two and a half times. Shri J.P., Special Secretary, Mineral Resources Department. This information was given in the review meeting of district mining officers organized under the chairmanship of Maurya.
Special Secretary Shri Maurya informed that the Mineral Resources Department is laying emphasis on the exploration of minerals of valuable and strategic importance. Among these minerals are minerals like nickel, chromium, graphite, gold and diamond. Last year, 20 important mineral blocks were allotted through e-auction. In these blocks, for the first time in the country, two nickel-chromium blocks of Mahasamund district have also been allotted. He informed that a total of 29 mineral blocks have been allotted after the year 2015, out of which 20 blocks were allotted through e-auction last year. Due to which the state government will get more than 01 lakh crore rupees.
Special Secretary Shri Maurya reviewed the district-wise mineral revenue received in the year 2022-23 in the meeting. During the meeting, a detailed discussion was held on the action plan to achieve the target set for the year 2023-24. In this context, pending tax assessment of iron ore and coal mines, mining beyond capacity under common cause case, additional amount in special mines, mineral revenue arrears including recovery of dues on minor minerals used in the construction department, imposed on illegal mining and transportation. Action taken for recovery of penalty etc. was reviewed. Along with this, strict instructions were given to the officials to make performance security appropriation as per MDPA on less than capacity production in mines.
In the meeting, Joint Director of the Mineral Resources Department Mr. Anurag Dewan said that the department is running 46 exploration schemes with emphasis on exploration of minerals of valuable and strategic importance by involving other government and private institutions in the exploration works in the state. Along with this, the department is taking action to purchase new drilling machines, trucks and vehicles along with special exploration equipment worth about 05 crores from the NMET fund for capacity development. In the meeting, keeping in view the increased responsibilities of departmental works, instructions were given by the Special Secretary to submit a proposal for a reasonable increase in the setup approved in the year 2004. In the year 2022-23, a total of 20 blocks including 02 limestone, 09 iron ore, 05 bauxite blocks, 02 nickel-chromium PGE and 02 graphite minerals were allotted mining lease/composite license by the department through e-auction.
In the meeting, for more increase in mineral revenue income, transparent allotment of maximum number of mines, effective coordination with these departments for revenue, forest, environment consent for operation of coal and other allocated mines as soon as possible and re-allotment by declaring loose mines as laps. Instructions were given for action. He said that a proposal in this regard should be sent to the government as soon as possible. Along with this, there was talk of administrative tightening.
Joint Director (Geology) Mr. Sanjay Kankane and Joint Director (K.P.) Mr. Mahipal Singh Kanwar and officers of directorate and district level were present in the meeting.
