Bihar eyes over ₹5,000 crore yearly revenue from newly identified mineral reserves
Geological surveys in Bihar have uncovered mineral assets worth more than ₹21,000 crore, which could generate upwards of ₹5,000 crore in annual mining revenue once commercial operations begin.
A series of geological investigations conducted from 2021 to 2024 have identified mineral resources in Bihar valued at more than ₹21,000 crore, spanning districts such as Rohtas, Jamui, Gaya and Jehanabad. The haul includes high-grade limestone, large deposits of glauconite for potash, pyrite, magnetite, gold, vanadium, ilmenite, rare-earth elements and lithium-bearing pegmatites. State officials estimate that, once the blocks are converted into operational mines, annual mining revenue could exceed ₹5,000 crore, far surpassing one outlet ₹3,592 crore collection from minor minerals.
The state aims to complete exploration, auctions, clearances and lease issuance by 2026-31, with trial production of the Sono gold resource slated for 2027-28. Challenges include limited bidder interest in early auctions, capital-intensive processing technologies, fragmented land ownership and the need for environmental and pollution-control approvals. To protect the newly identified sites, Bihar plans to establish a 1,000-person Mines Police Force.
Why it matters
The discovery could transform Bihar's economy by adding billions of rupees in mining revenue and reducing reliance on mineral imports.
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