Subhechcha Ganguly 
Chhattisgarh has announced the discovery of a significant deposit of Nickel, Copper, and Platinum Group Elements (Ni-Cu-PGE) in the Bhalukona-Jamnidih block of Mahasamund district’s Basna tehsil. The state government confirmed the find on Wednesday, calling it a major step toward advancing mineral self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
“This is a crucial step toward securing vital resources for both the state and the nation,” Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said, adding that the discovery supports sustainable development and strategic independence in key sectors.
Deccan Gold Mines Limited (DGML), a company specializing in gold and critical mineral exploration, was granted a 30 sq km Composite Licence for the block on April 1. The license permits both exploration and eventual mining operations. A mineralised zone stretching 700 meters has already been identified in mafic-ultramafic rock formations, with geophysical surveys showing sulphide mineralization extending up to 300 meters deep, suggesting substantial resource potential.
P. Dayanand, Secretary of the Department of Mineral Resources, described the discovery as a “strategic leap forward,” especially as global demand for critical minerals like nickel and PGEs grows amid the shift toward green and high-tech technologies.
To date, Chhattisgarh has auctioned 51 mineral blocks, including 10 significant ones with resources such as nickel, lithium, PGEs, chromium, and graphite. Additionally, six tin blocks have been submitted to the Union Ministry of Mines for upcoming auctions.
To boost exploration and innovation in the critical minerals sector, the Directorate of Geology and Mining (DGM) has also set up a dedicated Critical Mineral Cell to promote collaboration among academic, research, and industry bodies.
