Patna: Chief minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday urged investors to set up industries and mining ventures in Bihar, saying the state govt was offering multiple concessions and full administrative support to ensure safe, transparent and hassle-free investment.Addressing a workshop on the 8th Tranche of Auction of Critical and Strategic Mineral Blocks in Patna, organised by the Union Ministry of Mines, Choudhary said investors should come to Bihar “with an open mind” and proceed fearlessly. “You are completely safe here. The Bihar govt will cooperate with you in every way,” he said.Choudhary said Bihar had significant mineral potential and survey work had advanced in 28 of the state’s 44 mining blocks. More than 30 blocks would be allotted to successful bidders before Sept 20, he said, adding that the govt would take steps to start mining operations from Oct 15.He said the state was working to attract investments of up to Rs5 lakh crore by Nov this year and establish mineral centres across Bihar. The govt, he added, was committed to creating an investor-friendly business climate and ensuring that the state’s mineral resources were used in the interest of its people.Tenders have been issued for several mineral blocks, while processes for many others are underway, Choudhary said. Officials were engaged in completing the tendering exercise, which the govt aimed to finish within nine months, he said.“There is no shortage of resources in Bihar. They must be fully utilised and given momentum for public welfare,” he said. Citing mineral reserves, he referred to limestone in Rohtas, a mineral belt in Aurangabad, magnetite in Jehanabad and Jamui, and mineral resources in Gaya, Banka and Bhagalpur.The chief minister said royalty revenue from minerals would be spent on public welfare and Bihar’s development. He warned that misuse of mineral wealth at any level would not be permitted.Choudhary said the govt was facilitating investment, promoting sustainable mineral development and building a supportive ecosystem to position Bihar as an attractive destination for responsible mineral-based investment and development.Union minister of state for coal and mines Satish Chandra Dubey said critical minerals were strategically important for emerging technologies, clean energy applications and key industries, and were essential to India’s long-term mineral security. He called for faster exploration and stronger domestic capabilities across the critical mineral value chain to reduce dependence on imports.
