Maharashtra government seeks mining rights for six iron ore mines in Gadchiroli
The Maharashtra government on Thursday (June 18, 2026) sought the Centre’s approval for the transfer of six iron ore mines in Gadchiroli district, citing that the proposed allocation will boost steel production and attract ₹3 lakh crore investment, helping the state’s ambition to become India’s largest green steel hub.
More than 40 mineral blocks in the state are up for auction and the process for 14 out of 34 has already started. If the six mines are given to the Maharashtra State Mining Corporation. (MSMC) of the Maharashtra government, these mines will be commissioned in the next three to four years,” Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, adding that the aim is to produce 50 million tonnes of iron ore by 2030 from these mines.
On Thursday, Mr. Fadnavis and officials from several ministries met Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy and appealed for allotment of iron ore to MSMC.
Mr. Fadnavis reasoned that if the mines were run through state corporations, then mineral production would catch up and the government would become a distributor of minerals for steel makers. “At least 500 mines have been auctioned across the country and only 50 of them are operational. Many mines are not viable because of the extremely high premium charged in the mine auction process,” he added, adding that the state will produce steel at a lower cost than China.
Gadchiroli is home to several reserves of iron ore, limestone, coal mines and abundant water resources. The state owns the mines, but the central government, through the Ministry of Mines, controls the allocation framework and approval of certain mineral blocks. If the center accepts the application, then MSMC will obtain the mining leases and extract the ore and become the supplier.
According to the Ministry of Coal and Mines, the government aims to create an ecosystem with plans to develop a rail and freight network connecting JNPT and Vadhavan ports with Gadchiroli. Space has also been reserved for railways along the Samruddhi Highway. The Maharashtra government has also signed MoUs with companies, including TATA and JSW, for the steel industry in the state.
The process of land purchases for various industries is underway. For this purpose, the government has set up a special mechanism, including a district-level mining authority as well as a mechanism for obtaining the necessary permits.
“Regarding the bauxite mining area that has been given to Odisha state corporation, if the area of about 1,300 hectares demanded by Maharashtra is approved, it will be a big boost for industrial development in the state,” the statement said.
A statement issued by the CMO said that Union Minister Reddy was positive about the demand and directed the power generation companies in the state to introduce an automated sample checking system to avoid disputes and financial losses over coal quality.
Minister of State for Mines Satish Chandra Dubey, Additional Principal Secretary, Ministry of Power, Abha Shukla, Additional Secretary, Department of Coal, Bhupinder Brar, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Jayashree Bhoj, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, Eknath Dawle, Chairman, MIDC, Dipendrasinh Ravish Kumarh, Chairman The meeting was attended by Singh and officials of Coal India, Western Coalfield.
Published – 19 Jun 2026 03:47 IST