Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Wednesday said that Rajasthan holds immense potential in the mining sector, which has the strength to take the state’s economy to new heights. He emphasised that the government’s intent is to ensure that minerals extracted in the state are also processed and converted into finished products within Rajasthan, thereby creating large-scale employment opportunities for the youth.
Addressing the Mining Sectoral Session at Pravasi Rajasthani Diwas, the Chief Minister said that Rajasthan’s mining policy is simple and transparent, and a single-window clearance system has been implemented for investors. He appealed to Pravasi Rajasthanis to invest in the state and contribute to making Rajasthan one of India’s leading industrial states.
He said the government is moving rapidly towards the vision of “Developed Rajasthan–2047”.
Rajasthan Rich in Mineral Resources
The Chief Minister said that 82 types of minerals are found in Rajasthan, out of which 57 minerals are currently being mined. The mining sector contributes 4.4 percent to the state’s GDP. To further strengthen the sector, the state has implemented the Mineral Policy–2024 and M-Sand Policy–2024.
He informed that 112 blocks of major minerals have already been auctioned, placing Rajasthan at the second position nationally. For the first time, auctions have also been conducted for fluorite, emerald, gold, garnet, lead-zinc, rare earth elements (REE) and potash.
Energy Projects Gaining Momentum
CM Sharma said that natural gas production is underway in the Barmer–Sanchore Basin and Jaisalmer Basin, and nearly 90 percent of the Rajasthan Refinery Project has been completed. Under the Rising Rajasthan Investment Summit, MoUs worth ₹44,784 crore were signed in the petroleum sector, many of which are now under execution on the ground.
Rajasthan Emerging as a National Hub for Critical Minerals: Union Minister G Kishan Reddy
Union Minister for Mines and Coal, G Kishan Reddy, said that Rajasthan is rapidly emerging as one of India’s leading centres for critical mining. He noted that the state has the capacity to meet the rising demand for critical minerals in defence, energy, agriculture, solar power, automobiles and several other sectors.
He said that mining of these critical minerals will open new chapters of development, significantly boosting the state’s economy and employment generation.
Local Employment to Be Prioritised: Tribal Affairs Minister Babulal Kharadi
Tribal Affairs Minister Babulal Kharadi said that Rajasthan is richly endowed with mineral wealth and the state government is working to ensure that local communities are given priority in employment opportunities arising from mining activities.
MoUs Signed with IIT Dhanbad and IIT Hyderabad
During the session, the Department of Mines signed an MoU with IIT Dhanbad to conduct studies on the availability of critical minerals and rare earth elements at various locations across Rajasthan.
Another MoU was signed with IIT Hyderabad, which will help in the scientific, systematic and fast-track mining of critical and strategic minerals in different regions of the state.pol
