nThe Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC) has a major obligation to utilize the mineral wealth for economic progress of the people and development of the state, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said on Thursday.
The focussed effort should be on setting up of industries for value addition of minerals. It would help to generate more revenue and provide new employment avenues for the youth, he said after dedicating the new office of CMDC at Sector-24, Nava Raipur.
Baghel said more than 50 MoUs have been signed to establish new industries which will bring investment worth `45,000 crore. Now, CMDC has a challenge to ensure regular supply of raw materials to these mineral-based industries.
"‘Mother Chhattisgarh’ has given a lot of mineral resources like coal, iron ore, dolomite, limestone, diamond, uranium and others in abundance. This wealth has to be utilized for the state's development," he said.
Referring to new projects of CMDC, he said efforts should be made to expedite the Aridongari project, the Deposit 4 and Deposit 13 of Bailadila, acquire new coal blocks and explore tin ore collection.
Forest Minister Mohammed Akbar and CMDC Chairman Girish Dewangan also addressed the gathering.