Rajasthan is planning to create three new organisations to make better use of its minerals, which generated an estimated revenue of over Rs 7,460 crore in the financial year 2023-24. 

According to government officials, the plans include setting up an excellence centre in Jaipur, a mining institute in Udaipur, and a petrochemical research campus in Jodhpur. Additionally, a new company named Rajasthan Mineral Exploration Ltd will be established. “Intricacies of these are presently being worked out. Details would be available soon,” said an official of the mines department. The three organisations will provide a new direction to the mining industry by accelerating mineral exploration and research, according to T Ravikant, principal secretary, mines and petroleum. 

The three organisations, which Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari stated in the state budget, are being formed up by the mining department. (She is also in charge of the finance portfolio.) Rajasthan has led the country in auctioning mining blocks and was recently honored for “excellence” at a conference of state mining ministers in Konark, Odisha, said Ravikant. According to a mines department official, the state introduced a mineral policy in 2024 to attract both domestic and foreign investments, as well as encourage joint ventures in mining. 

The policy focuses on reducing illegal mining and maximising revenue. It also promotes sustainable mining practices by ensuring proper waste management, restoring mining sites and protecting ecosystems and natural resources. The state produces 22 major minerals and 36 minor minerals and is the only producer in the country of lead, zinc, wollastonite, selenite, calcite, and gypsum. The 2024 policy aims to increase mining’s contribution to the state’s GDP from 3.4% to 5% by the financial year 2029-30 and further to 6-8% by FY 2046-47.