CM Dr. Mohan Yadav highlights Madhya Pradesh’s Huge Potential in Petroleum Minerals

Bhopal- Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav highlighted Madhya Pradesh’s vast mineral resources, stating that the state’s deposits of critical minerals, rare earth elements, diamonds, and precious metals are driving its emergence as a leader in India’s mining sector. Recent geological studies indicate significant potential for petroleum, natural gas, and coal bed methane (CBM) across the state.

Experts point to the Gondwana Basin in eastern Madhya Pradesh and sedimentary formations in the Narmada and Tapti valleys as highly favorable for hydrocarbons. Districts including Shahdol, Anuppur, Umaria, Damoh, Panna, Chhatarpur, Sagar, Narsinghpur, Raisen, Khandwa, Khargone, Barwani, and Chhindwara have been identified for significant CBM and hydrocarbon prospects.

Currently, Reliance Industries Limited holds two petroleum mining leases for commercial CBM production in Shahdol-Anuppur, covering a total of 995 sq km. Additionally, ONGC has been granted a 200.2 sq km natural gas block in Hatta, Damoh district, with production to begin after approvals. Petroleum exploration licenses covering 18,547 sq km have been issued, with exploration already underway in five blocks and six more to start soon.

The Mineral Resources Department has implemented digital innovations to ensure transparency, efficiency, and ease of doing business in mining. Online services include mine approvals, production-dispatch management, royalty payments, and submission of mining plans. Around 7,000 mines have been geo-tagged, and AI-based unmanned e-check gates on major mining routes are monitored through a central command center to prevent illegal transport.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana, projects in mining-affected areas related to health, education, drinking water, roads, and women and child development are managed digitally through the DMF portal. The “Sarthak” app ensures transparent attendance of officials and staff.

These initiatives aim to make Madhya Pradesh self-reliant in energy, boost industrial growth, and set new benchmarks in governance in the mining sector.