Raipur: In line with the National Critical Mineral Mission and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of a self-reliant India, Chhattisgarh is promoting the exploitation of mineral resources and their local value addition. To this end, Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation Limited (CMDC) has re-started the corundum mine in the Kuchnur area of ​​Bijapur district after a gap of nearly 25 years. Aiming to develop the entire value chain from corundum mining to cutting, polishing, jewelry manufacturing, branding, and marketing, this important MoU was signed between CMDC and Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, at the Mayfair Resort in Naya Raipur in the presence of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai. The university has been selected as the knowledge partner, providing modern technology-based training to local youth and artisans.

Chhattisgarh Corundum Mines Limited, a joint venture between CMDC and Messrs. N.C. Nahar, operates a corundum mine in the village of Kuchnoor in the Bhopalpatnam area of ​​Bijapur district for the exploitation and marketing of corundum in the state. After a gap of nearly 25 years, the mine has been operational again since February 2025, and high-quality corundum is being extracted scientifically. Currently, the mine has a stock of approximately 240 kilograms of corundum, of which 157,643 kilograms have been transported. The transported corundum includes 107,989 kilograms of B-grade and 49,654 kilograms of industrial-grade corundum.

Employment to local youth through mining

The operation of the Kuchanur Corundum Mine has provided employment and self-employment opportunities to 14 local youth in Bijapur district. The State Government and CMDC strive to ensure that the benefits of mineral-based activities are not limited to mining alone, but also to create new income opportunities through the participation of local communities, youth, artisans, self-help groups, and entrepreneurs.

Training in cutting and polishing will increase value addition

To maximize the value of corundum, gemstone handling, cutting, polishing, and other value-added activities will be promoted locally. Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University has been appointed as the knowledge partner for this purpose. Through modern technology-based training, local youth will be trained in gemstone identification and skilling activities. This will provide them with employment opportunities and opportunities to start their own businesses.

Jewellery and gemstone products will get market under 'Bastar Brand'

The plan is to integrate high-quality corundum from Kuchanur with local design, quality, and authenticity under the "Bastar Brand." Corundum jewelry and gemstone products will be created, branded, and marketed. This will help integrate Bastar's local arts, crafts, and natural mineral wealth into the market. New corundum-based enterprises can be developed with the participation of local enterprises, startups, artisans, and investors.

Identification and exploration of new corundum areas underway

Work is underway to identify, explore, and prospect new corundum-producing areas in Bijapur district. In the Bhopalpatnam region, potential areas, including the village of Kuchanur, are being identified and action is being taken to expand mining activities. Areas have been reserved in various areas, including Dhangol, and the application process is being advanced.

Transparent auction will generate revenue for the government and give Bastar national and international recognition.

Transparent auctioning of mined corundum will increase state government revenues and enhance the potential for national and international recognition for the Bastar region's corundum. Scientific and sustainable use of mineral resources, combined with local value addition, will enable better utilization of the mineral's true economic potential. This CMDC initiative is a significant step toward realizing the concept of "mining creates value addition, value addition creates employment, and employment creates economic empowerment." Its objective is not merely to mine corundum, but to transform Bastar's mineral wealth into a foundation for local prosperity and self-reliance by engaging local youth and communities in the entire value chain.