The State's Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation Ltd. (CMDC), singly or in joint venture, undertakes scientific exploration,commercial exploitation and viable trading of minerals in the State. Chhattisgarh, alongwith two other Indian States has almost all the coal deposits in India, which has led to its 'power hub' strategy.All the tin ore in India is in Chhattisgarh. A fifth of iron ore in the country is here,and one of the best quality iron ore deposits in the world is found in the Bailadila mines in south Chhattisgarh, from where it is exported to Japan. Rich deposits of Bauxite, Limestone, Dolomite and Corundum are found in the State.The State is lucky to have large deposits of coal, iron ore and limestone in close proximity, making it the ideal location for the lowest cost of production.

There is great scope for private participation in the mining sector in Chhattisgarh. The State's Mineral Policy, 2001 has created a conducive business environment to attract private investment in the State, both domestic and international.Procedures have been simplified and there is complete transparency in decision-making. The added advantage is availability of large technically qualified human resources, having trained in tailormade programmes in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, mineral beneficiation, mining engineering and environmental science. The State is ensuring a minimum lease area with secured land rights so that investors can safely commit large resources to mining projects.

A few major mineral deposits are: (all figures in million tonnes)

• Coal: 35000
• Lime stone: 3580
• Bauxite: 96
• Iron ore: 2336
• Dolomite: 606
• Cassiterite: 29