Chhattisgarh Strengthens Its Role in India’s Critical Mineral Ecosystem as CM Vishnu Deo Sai Reaffirms Commitment to Mineral Development
Distilled Policy Brief
- The 8th tranche of Critical and Strategic Mineral Blocks comprises 20 blocks across nine states (17 Composite Licenses and 3 Mining Leases), involving critical minerals such as graphite, rare earth elements, vanadium, and gallium, with five blocks located in Chhattisgarh.
- State-level measures in Chhattisgarh highlight initiatives such as the Tin Portal for transparent benefit distribution to tribal tin collectors and exploration of critical minerals like columbite.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
Note the scope of the 8th tranche of Critical and Strategic Mineral Block auctions, key minerals included, and the NMEDT scheme for exploration expense reimbursement.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Examine how transparent auctions, domestic exploration, and value addition of critical and strategic minerals contribute to mineral security and self-reliance in high-tech manufacturing.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to the recent developments in India's critical and strategic mineral sector, consider the following statements: 1. The 8th tranche of Critical and Strategic Mineral Blocks auction includes both Composite Licenses and Mining Leases. 2. The 'Tin Portal' is an initiative aimed at transparent benefit distribution to tribal tin collectors in Chhattisgarh. 3. Minerals such as columbite, graphite, vanadium, and rare earth elements are included among the critical minerals under current exploration and auction tranches. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- [A] 1 and 2 only
- [B] 2 and 3 only
- [C] 1 and 3 only
- [D] 1, 2 and 3
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: The 8th tranche of Critical and Strategic Mineral Blocks comprises 20 blocks (17 Composite Licenses and 3 Mining Leases) across nine states. Statement 2 is correct: State-level initiatives in Chhattisgarh include the 'Tin Portal' designed for transparent benefit distribution to tribal tin collectors. Statement 3 is correct: The blocks and exploration efforts cover critical minerals such as graphite, rare earth elements, vanadium, gallium, and columbite.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.