CM Sharma and Union Minister Reddy Attend Star Rating of Mines Awards Ceremony

From Iron to Gold, Rajasthan’s Mines Hold Immense Potential – State to Become a Mining Powerhouse with a Focus on Environment and Welfare, Says CM Bhajanlal Sharma

Jaipur : Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma stated that Rajasthan is progressing rapidly in the mining sector through transparent processes, ease of doing business, and infrastructure expansion. He emphasized that the state aims to become a leading hub for mining, as Rajasthan is rich in minerals ranging from iron to gold. He urged entrepreneurs to invest in the state, assuring them of complete support from the government.

CM Sharma and Union Minister for Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy attended the Star Rating of Mines Awards Ceremony organized by the Indian Bureau of Mines at Rajasthan International Centre on Monday. Speaking on the occasion, CM Sharma said that the Star Rating System promotes environmental protection and social responsibility in mining operations. It evaluates mine leases based on key parameters such as scientific practices, sustainable development, water management, afforestation, and corporate social responsibility.

He congratulated the representatives of mines awarded by the Indian Bureau of Mines and announced that Rajasthan would implement a similar evaluation and rating system for its own mines.

Rajasthan Sets Record in Mineral Block Auctions

The Chief Minister highlighted that Rajasthan is a mineral treasure trove, currently exploiting 57 types of metallic and non-metallic minerals, contributing 12% of the country’s total mineral production value. He noted that Rajasthan has achieved a milestone by auctioning over 100 major mineral blocks, accounting for more than 20% of the 500 blocks allocated nationwide. Additionally, 960 minor mineral and 137 quarry plots have been successfully auctioned in the state.

Record Royalty Revenue under Current Government

CM Sharma pointed out that in 2023–24, under the previous government, mining royalty revenue stood at ₹7,460 crore—a mere 3% increase. However, under the current administration, royalty revenue surged to ₹9,228 crore in 2024–25, marking a 24% increase. This is a record figure. He also stated that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining, conducting three special drives to combat the issue.

Incentives for M-Sand Entrepreneurs

He added that the state has introduced a new M-Sand policy as an alternative to river sand. The policy provides incentives for setting up M-Sand units. Inspired by the PM’s initiative “One Tree in Mother’s Name,” Rajasthan has launched the ‘Mission Hariyalo Rajasthan’, aiming to plant 500 million trees in five years. Last year alone, over 75 million trees were planted, and 100 million more will be planted during the current monsoon.

Double Engine Government Transforming Every Sector

Shri Sharma praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s transformative leadership since 2014, under which welfare schemes have uplifted even the last person in the queue. He said that the double-engine government (Centre and State) is fully committed to holistic development across Rajasthan. As India’s largest state, Rajasthan is now emerging as a center of immense investment opportunities in education, industry, tourism, and more.

He called for a mining model that not only fulfills current needs but also serves as an inspiration for future generations, and transforms the mining sector into a symbol of environmental preservation and social welfare.

During the event, CM Sharma and Union Minister Reddy honored representatives of mines awarded 7-star and 5-star ratings. Also present were Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines Shri Sanjay Lohia, Controller General of Indian Bureau of Mines Shri Piyush Narayan Sharma, Principal Secretary of Mining Department Shri T. Ravikant, along with other senior officials from the Centre and State mining departments.