Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday, 17 August inaugurated the auction of strategic mineral blocks at a workshop jointly organised by the Ministry of Coal and Mines in connection with the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMEDT) in Patna. The state has set a firm deadline of 30 September to complete the auction process for more than 30 mineral blocks, with mining operations targeted to begin from 15 October.

Survey Progress and Auction Timeline

Surveys have been completed or are underway in 28 of Bihar's 44 mining blocks, Choudhary said, adding that the remaining work has been directed to be wrapped up within nine months. Several blocks have already been put up for tender, while the process for additional blocks is progressing. The accelerated timeline reflects the state government's push to monetise mineral assets and channel royalty revenues into public welfare programmes.

Key Mineral Deposits Across Bihar

Choudhary highlighted the state's diverse mineral wealth, pointing to limestone reserves in Rohtas, mineral deposits in Aurangabad, Jehanabad, and Jamui, and additional potential in Gaya, Banka, and Bhagalpur. He said these resources would be systematically developed in the interest of Bihar's people, with royalty revenues earmarked for development projects. Notably, the emphasis on protecting the state's historical and cultural heritage alongside mineral extraction signals a cautious approach to environmental and heritage sensitivities.

Investment Push and Budget Targets

The mineral auction drive is part of a broader investment strategy. Bihar's budget has grown to ₹3.47 lakh crore, and the state is targeting ₹5 lakh crore in total investment by November. Choudhary said the government is offering concessions and incentives to attract industrial investors, and is working to establish mineral-related processing centres across the state.

'We urge everyone to invest in Bihar with an open mind. Help in taking Bihar forward. You are completely safe here and proceed with your work fearlessly. Bihar government will support you in every way,' Choudhary said, appealing directly to investors at the event.

Centre-State Coordination

Choudhary said he had held discussions with Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy on advancing the mineral development agenda. Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey and Kadam Sandeep V., Joint Secretary, Ministry of Coal and Mines, also addressed the workshop. Dubey welcomed the Chief Minister with a green plant, a corsage, and insignia — a gesture that underscored the Centre's stated commitment to Bihar's mineral push. The state government framed the initiative as aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India and a prosperous Bihar.

With auctions set to close by end of September and mining expected to commence mid-October, the next few weeks will test whether Bihar's administrative machinery can deliver on an ambitious and tightly scheduled mineral development programme.