bihar-set-to-restart-mining-operations-after-oct-15-cm-choudhary

Bihar is likely to resume mining activities after October 15, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said on Monday, as the state moves ahead with the auction and allocation of critical and strategic mineral blocks.

 

Addressing an event in Patna organised around the auction of critical and strategic mineral blocks, Choudhary said the tender process for 28 mining blocks was currently underway. He expressed confidence that more than 30 blocks would be allotted by the end of September.

 

“The tender process for 28 mining blocks is underway. More than 30 blocks will be allotted before the end of September. I have confidence that we will resume mining in the state after October 15,” Choudhary said.

 

The announcement comes as the Bihar government seeks to utilise the state's mineral resources to boost economic activity, attract investment and generate employment. The operationalisation of the blocks is also expected to support industries associated with mining and mineral processing.

 

The focus on critical and strategic minerals comes amid growing demand for resources used in sectors such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, electronics and advanced technologies.

 

The mining push is part of the state government's broader economic agenda. On Sunday, Choudhary set a target of attracting investments worth Rs 5 lakh crore by November and announced measures aimed at improving Bihar's investment environment.

 

The government has also placed employment generation among its key priorities. Choudhary recently distributed appointment letters to candidates selected through the 70th Bihar Public Service Commission examination as part of the state's recruitment drive.

 

In his Independence Day address on August 15, the chief minister announced the Vidyarthi Sahyog Portal, through which students will be able to submit complaints and seek government intervention. The government has said it aims to resolve such grievances within 30 days.

 

Choudhary has also set a target of creating one crore jobs in Bihar by 2030, linking employment generation with the state's wider development plans.

 

The Patna event was held alongside a roadshow organised by the Union Ministry of Mines on the eighth tranche of auctions of critical and strategic mineral blocks. A workshop on the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust was also held.

 

With the tendering and allocation process underway, the state government is now expected to complete the necessary procedures before mining operations restart after October 15.