Rajasthan Emerging as Major Mining Hub: Focus on Transparency, Infrastructure and Critical Minerals

Jaipur, May 2026 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said that the state holds a leading position in India in terms of mineral wealth and has immense potential in the mining sector. He stated that Rajasthan is endowed with 82 types of minerals, of which 57 are currently being extracted. The state government is prioritising transparency, policy reforms, and infrastructure development in the mining sector.

The Chief Minister was addressing a high-level meeting of the Mines and Coal Department held at the Chief Minister’s residence in the presence of Union Minister for Mines and Coal G. Kishan Reddy.

He instructed officials to regularly coordinate with the Centre and hold periodic meetings to ensure timely completion of mining-related projects. He stressed that effective coordination between state and central agencies would help complete ongoing projects within stipulated timelines.

Highlighting the significance of the Sivana Ring Complex, the Chief Minister said it spans around 725 square kilometres across Barmer and Balotra districts and consists of circular and semi-circular igneous rock formations. He noted that the complex contains rare earth elements and heavy rare earth elements, making it highly important for modern technology and clean energy sectors.

He directed officials to appoint a nodal officer for the effective implementation and development of the Sivana Ring Complex project. He also instructed the Mines Department and district collectors to hold joint meetings with central government officials to expedite progress.

The Chief Minister further urged the Centre to share information on sites identified and explored by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) so that suitable land is not diverted for other purposes and can be conserved appropriately. He also directed that environmental clearances for mining projects be fast-tracked and that production begin promptly in auctioned mineral blocks.

He said that continuous monitoring and regular review meetings by the Mines Department would ensure smoother execution of mining activities and avoid delays or duplication of work.

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the mining sector in India has undergone significant reforms. He said that policy changes and ease-of-doing-business initiatives have accelerated exploration, auctioning, and production processes, particularly in the critical minerals sector.

He noted that Rajasthan holds vast reserves of critical minerals, which are essential for sectors such as defence, energy, agriculture, solar power, and automobiles. He said the state has the potential to become a major supplier in this rapidly growing global demand segment.

Kishan Reddy also praised Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma’s proactive governance approach, stating that Rajasthan is advancing rapidly in the mining sector. He said that transparent policies, investment-friendly reforms, and scientific mineral exploration have positioned the state as an emerging mining hub.

He emphasized that both the Centre and the State must work in close coordination to resolve mining-related issues in a time-bound manner, thereby boosting investment and production.

The meeting also discussed key issues related to the energy sector, including the Coal India–RVUNL joint venture, solar energy projects, auctioning of critical mineral blocks, District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds, environmental and forest clearances, and ongoing geological exploration activities.

Additional Chief Secretary (Mines and Petroleum) Aparna Arora made a detailed presentation on state policies and issues requiring coordination with the Centre. Chief Secretary V. Srinivas and senior officials from both the Centre and the State were also present.