India: Chhattisgarh govt invites bids for 5 mineral blocks

• 2 limestone ML blocks offered, with exploration at G2 level
• 3 CL blocks offered, one each for iron ore, gold, base metals

The Mineral Resources Department of the Government of Chhattisgarh has issued a Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) dated 5 October 2025, inviting bids for the grant of five mineral blocks through an electronic auction process. The initiative reflects the state’s continued emphasis on expanding its mineral-based industrial ecosystem while enhancing transparency and efficiency in the mineral allocation process under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015.

The tender includes two limestone blocks and three composite licence (CL) blocks — one each for iron ore, gold and associated base metals, and base metals and associated minerals. The blocks span key mineral-bearing districts, demonstrating the state’s geological diversity and potential for downstream industrial growth.

The Bhikuria-Chhanta and Jagmadwa-Hanaibandh-Mardkathera limestone blocks, located in Kabirdham and Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai districts, respectively, are offered under a mining lease (ML) with exploration at the G2 level. These deposits, covering over 700 hectares combined, are crucial for the cement and construction industries, which continue to grow alongside infrastructure development in central India.

The Gopaltola Iron Ore Block, also in Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai, covers an expansive 1,217 hectares and is offered under a composite licence at the G4 exploration level. Additionally, the Karankhol-Rachpalpur Block in Mahasamund district, rich in gold and associated base metals, and the Dhulangi Block in Balrampur district, containing base metals and associated minerals, are both offered under composite licences (G3 level). These concessions are expected to attract diversified interest from explorers and investors looking to capitalise on India’s growing demand for non-ferrous and precious metals.

Bidders are required to submit financial bids in digital format and technical bids in both digital and physical formats. The tender document fee varies between INR 1-5 lakh (excluding GST), payable via RTGS or net banking through the MSTC e-auction platform. The last date for online purchase of tender documents is 17 November 2025, while bids must be submitted by 3:00 PM on 19 November 2025.