Patna : The Bihar government is accelerating efforts to operationalise major mineral blocks in Rohtas and Gaya, aiming to turn the state’s mineral resources into a source of revenue, employment and economic growth.
Mining and Geology Minister Dr Pramod Kumar chaired a review meeting on Monday to assess the progress of mining projects in the two districts and examine the steps required to begin production from blocks that have already been auctioned.
During the meeting, the minister directed officials to complete the pending statutory and administrative procedures without unnecessary delay. He emphasised that auctioning mineral blocks alone would not deliver the intended economic benefits unless production and dispatch operations actually begin.
Rohtas Mineral Blocks Under Review
The review covered three major mineral blocks in Rohtas district:
- Pipradih-Bhurwa Glauconite Block
- Chutiya-Nauhatta Glauconite Block
- Bhora-Kathra Limestone Block
The government is seeking to move these projects towards production by completing the required approvals and administrative formalities.
Glauconite is a mineral used in applications including fertiliser production, while limestone is an important raw material for industries such as cement manufacturing.
Operationalising these blocks could create opportunities for industrial activity and employment in the region, while adding to the state’s mineral-related revenue.
Gaya Nickel, Chromium And Platinum Group Element Block Reviewed
In Gaya district, the meeting focused on the Genzana Nickel-Chromium and Platinum Group Elements (PGE) block.
Officials reviewed the progress made towards production and the dispatch of minerals from the block. The minister asked the concerned authorities to address pending requirements so that the project could advance towards operationalisation.
Nickel, chromium and platinum group elements are important industrial minerals used in sectors such as manufacturing, engineering and advanced technology. Their development could help strengthen the industrial potential of the region.
However, production will depend on the completion of the necessary statutory clearances and administrative processes.
Minister Directs Officials To Speed Up Production From Auctioned Blocks
Dr Pramod Kumar stressed that the benefits of mineral auctions would become tangible only when mining operations begin and extracted minerals reach the market.
He directed officials to identify and resolve delays in the processes required to start production and ensure that the concerned departments work in coordination.
The review focused not only on the status of individual blocks but also on the broader objective of converting mineral resources into economic activity.
The government is looking to improve the contribution of the mining sector to state revenue while creating employment opportunities through the development of mineral-based industries.
Stone Block E-Auction And Mineral Exploration Also Reviewed
The meeting also reviewed the progress of the e-auction of stone blocks as part of the department’s wider efforts to develop the state’s mineral resources.
The minister directed officials to strengthen coordination with the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to improve mineral exploration activities.
Closer cooperation with the national geological agency is expected to support the identification and assessment of mineral deposits, helping the state explore additional opportunities for mining and industrial development.
Bihar Seeks To Unlock Its Mineral Potential
The review reflects the state government’s effort to move beyond the auctioning of mineral blocks towards their actual development and production.
Rohtas and Gaya are among the districts being considered for greater mineral-based activity, with deposits of glauconite, limestone, nickel, chromium and platinum group elements forming part of the projects under review.
If the pending procedures are completed and production begins, the projects could contribute to government revenue, support industrial activity and generate employment.
The meeting was attended by Mines and Geology Department Secretary Avanish Kumar and other senior officials.
The immediate priority remains completing the required approvals and administrative formalities so that the auctioned mineral blocks can move towards production and dispatch.
