Chhattisgarh to auction nine mineral blocks; ₹1,600 crore revenue and 3,000 jobs expected from limestone projects
The Chhattisgarh Directorate of Geology and Mining is set to auction nine mineral blocks, including four high-quality limestone blocks in Balodabazar (holding over 200 MT of reserves), which could support a 3–4 MTPA cement/clinker plant. These limestone blocks, rich in CaO content, are located near major cement facilities and are well-connected by rail and road.
Their development is projected to generate ₹1,600 crore in revenue and create about 3,000 jobs. Additionally, two iron ore blocks in Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai and three bauxite blocks in Mainpat, Surguja, are also up for auction, offering further investment potential.
The Chhattisgarh will auction four limestone blocks in Balodabazar district, along with three bauxite blocks in Mainpat, Surguja, and two iron ore blocks in Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai. The limestone blocks collectively hold over 200 million tonnes (MT) of reserves, with the potential to support a 3-4 MTPA (million tonnes per annum) cement or clinker unit. A pre-bid conference for these blocks is scheduled for July 1.
The limestone blocks include Hirmi II North and South, and Sarseni Guma East and West. These blocks are located in the Balodabazar region, known as the "Cement Capital of Chhattisgarh" due to its rich cement-grade limestone deposits. The limestone from these blocks boasts a calcium oxide (CaO) concentration exceeding 42%, ensuring high-quality input for cement manufacturing. The deposits belong to the Chandi formation of the Raipur Group within the Chhattisgarh Supergroup and are primarily stromatolitic dolomitic limestone. The area benefits from existing infrastructure, proximity to active limestone mines, and major cement plants operated by companies like UltraTech, Ambuja, and Lafarge.
'Operationalisation of these limestone blocks with an integrated cement or clinker plant can boost the state economy by generating an estimated revenue of ₹1,600 crore and creating around 3,000 jobs in mining and cement or clinker production,' according to govt spokesperson.
The region is well-connected, with Hathbandh railway station approximately 12 km away and Bhatapara Railway Station 32 km away. Raipur, the state capital, is about 85 km from the Balodabazar blocks via Raipur–Belha Road. The nearest airport is in Raipur, about 92 km from Sarseni Guma and 70 km from Hirmi.
In addition to the limestone blocks, two iron ore blocks and three bauxite blocks are also open for auction.
The Nachaniya and Bhajidongari iron ore blocks are located in Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai district. The iron ore deposits belong to the Chilpi Group of Mesoproterozoic age. The Chilpi Group is generally considered to be of Mesoproterozoic age, specifically between 2000 and 1800 Ma (million years ago). It is located in the Bastar Craton of India. The group is known for its banded iron formations (BIFs) and is thought to have been deposited after the Great Oxidation Event but before the "Proterozoic iron ore gap".
The three bauxite blocks are in the Mainpat area of Surguja district. Kuniya Bauxite Block holds reserves of 13.55 MnT with 42.32per cent Al2O3, and Aluminous Laterite of 2.67 MnT with 26.63per cent Al2O3. Bauxite pockets and lenses are mostly sub-horizontal.
Murtadand Bauxite Block primarily consists of Quaternary-Recent laterite with bauxite and aluminous laterite, holding reserves of 1.1 MnT with 38.56per cent Al2O3. Dandkesra North Extension Bauxite Block largely covered with soil and laterite. Bauxite occurs in lensoidal form within the lateritic horizon, holding reserves of 4.46 MnT with 38.6per cent Al2O3.
These blocks offer significant investment and development opportunities in the mining sector, providing substantial reserves for industrial growth.
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