Chhattisgarh: Nickel-Copper-PGE deposit discovered in Mahasamund district

The mineral discovery, located in the Bhalukona-Jamnidih block of Basna tehsil, is expected to play a critical role in advancing self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative

Published on: Aug 6, 2025, 10:46:39 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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A significant deposit of Nickel, Copper, and Platinum Group Elements (Ni-Cu-PGE) was discovered in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund district, a statement issued by the state government said on Wednesday.

Deccan Gold Mines Limited (DGML) was awarded a 30sq km Composite Licence for the block on April 1 this year. (Representative file photo)

The mineral discovery, located in the Bhalukona-Jamnidih block of Basna tehsil, is expected to play a critical role in advancing self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the statement said.

“This is a crucial step toward securing vital resources for both the state and the nation,” said chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai.

“It supports our vision for sustainable development and aligns with India’s drive toward strategic independence in critical sectors,” it said.

Also Read: Cabinet approves National Critical Mineral Mission

Deccan Gold Mines Limited (DGML), a company focused on gold and critical mineral exploration, was awarded a 30sq km Composite Licence for the block on April 1 this year. The licence allows the firm to both explore and eventually mine the area.

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) had previously conducted G4-level exploration in the region, identifying promising traces of Nickel, Chromium, and PGEs. These findings were later validated by Chhattisgarh’s Directorate of Geology and Mining (DGM), which subsequently facilitated an e-auction for the block. DGML won the block through this process on March 6, 2023, the statement said.

Preliminary results from DGML’s ongoing exploration are encouraging.

A 700-meter-long mineralised zone has been identified within prospective mafic-ultramafic rock formations. Geophysical surveys indicate the presence of sulphide mineralization extending up to 300 meters in depth, pointing to substantial resource potential, it added.

P Dayanand, secretary of the department of mineral resources, described the discovery as a “strategic leap forward.”

“With the global push for green and high-tech technologies, critical minerals like nickel and PGEs have become the backbone of future innovation,” Dayanand said.

So far, the state has successfully auctioned 51 mineral blocks, including 10 key blocks containing resources such as graphite, nickel, chromium, PGEs, lithium, glauconite, phosphorite, and graphite-vanadium. Additionally, six tin blocks have been submitted to the Union ministry of mines for upcoming auctions.

To streamline exploration and innovation in this sector, the DGM has established a Critical Mineral Cell, aimed at fostering collaboration with academic, research, and industry institutions.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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