Rajasthan to Lead in Mining, Strict Action Against Illegal Activities: CM Bhajanlal Sharma

Jaipur, Dec 2025: Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma emphasized that Rajasthan’s abundant mineral resources play a crucial role in the state’s development, local employment, and regional growth. Speaking at a review meeting of the Mines and Petroleum Department at the Chief Minister’s office, he said the government is committed to making the state a leader in the mining sector.

He instructed officials to ensure timely achievement of revenue targets through proper utilization of mineral resources and take strict action against illegal mining, stating that no person involved in illegal mining would be spared.

CM Sharma called for the identification of new mineral blocks using advanced innovation and AI, and encouraged studying successful practices from other mineral-rich states to boost revenue.

He stressed full transparency in auction processes and better coordination between the police, transport, and mining departments to prevent illegal mining. Officials were directed to expand drone surveys and strengthen geofencing of mining lease areas and sensitive illegal mining sites.

Highlighting initiatives for M-Sand, the CM said the 2024 M-Sand policy incentivizes entrepreneurs to set up units, promoting M-Sand as an alternative to river sand. Officials were instructed to regularly monitor all M-Sand plants and prepare effective plans to explore mineral resource potential across the state.

The meeting reviewed the department’s innovations, including formation of committees for mineral development, environment protection, monitoring illegal mining, GPS & RFID-equipped vehicles for mineral transport, AI cameras, sensors, and standardized software for departmental web-bridges.

Principal Secretary Mines T. Ravikant presented a detailed overview of department initiatives, and senior officials including Director General of Police Rajiv Kumar Sharma were present.