In a strategic move to accelerate mining activities and foster economic development in the mineral-rich Gadchiroli district, the Maharashtra government has established the Gadchiroli District Mining Authority. Chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, this 16-member body aims to streamline administrative procedures, expedite the implementation of mining leases, and transform the district into a burgeoning “steel city.”
The authority’s formation precedes a formal bill slated for introduction in the upcoming monsoon legislative session on June 30, 2025. Gadchiroli, endowed with substantial reserves of iron ore, hematite, magnetite, limestone, dolomite, and coal, is poised for industrial resurgence. The initiative is expected to enhance state revenue, generate local employment, and contribute to making the region “Naxal-free” within three years.
Complementing this development, Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd (LMEL) is advancing its Surjagarh Iron Ore Mine (SIOM) in Gadchiroli to become India’s first ‘green mine.’ By adopting sustainable technologies and reducing carbon emissions, SIOM has already achieved a 32,000-tonne annual reduction in CO₂ emissions, with expectations to reach 50,000 tonnes through renewable energy integration. Initiatives include an 87 km iron ore slurry pipeline and the deployment of electric vehicles, aligning with India’s ‘Net Zero’ goals.
Further bolstering the district’s industrial landscape, Surjagad Ispat has secured an enhanced state incentive of 150 per cent of its ₹10,000 crore investment for a proposed steel plant in Vadlapeth village. This incentive, primarily involving state goods and services tax (SGST) refunds, aims to mitigate investment risks and attract further industrial ventures to the region.
These concerted efforts underscore Maharashtra’s commitment to transforming Gadchiroli into a significant industrial hub, leveraging its mineral wealth to drive economic growth and social development.
