The Chhattisgarh government has amended its Minor Mineral Rules, introducing stricter penalties
June 25, 2026: The Chhattisgarh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, has approved significant amendments to the Minor Mineral Rules to crack down on illegal mining, transportation, and storage of minerals. The revised regulations introduce tougher penalties and stricter enforcement mechanisms to improve transparency and strengthen the management of mineral resources across the state.
Under the new rules, the minimum compounding amount for illegal excavation and transportation has been fixed at ₹25,000. Offenders involved in illegal transport will also be required to pay ₹2,000 per tonne in addition to the full value of the mineral being transported. Authorities have also tightened conditions for the release of seized vehicles and machinery, with security deposits ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹3 lakh depending on the category of vehicle involved.
The government has simultaneously introduced several mining reforms to support infrastructure development and increase revenue. The excavation area limit for government construction projects has been raised from one hectare to two hectares, while permit validity has been extended from two years to three years. A new Chhattisgarh State Mineral Exploration Trust-2025 has been created, funded through two per cent of royalty collections from minor minerals. Additionally, the state has increased dead rent rates for mines after nearly three decades and simplified lease amalgamation procedures to encourage active mining operations and improve resource utilization.