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Rajasthan Mines Department Earns Over Rs 13 Billion in Apr–May

2025-06-11

Rajasthan’s Department of Mines and Geology recorded a revenue of Rs 13.06 billion during April and May of fiscal year 2025–26, marking an increase of approximately Rs 577 million compared to the same period last year, the department’s Principal Secretary T Ravikant announced.

This performance aligns with the department’s target of Rs 129.5 billion for FY26 . Under Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma’s direction, strict enforcement against illegal mining and full penalty recovery from violators have played a crucial role, according to a senior official.

Revenue growth varied across the state’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), with Bhilwara leading at Rs 2.18 billion in May—meeting 11.2 per cent of its annual target of Rs 31.94 billion. Jaipur and Jodhpur followed with revenues of Rs 1.85 billion and Rs 1.59 billion, respectively.

The state earned the most royalty from zinc, amounting to Rs 3.23 billion until May, despite a fall in production to approximately 4.07 lakh tonnes. Lead and silver followed, with royalty receipts of Rs 718 million and Rs 616 million, respectively. Cement-grade limestone royalty dropped by 25 per cent to Rs 779 million, primarily due to revised rate slabs.

To boost long-term revenue, Rajasthan is intensifying mineral exploration efforts. Thirty-five private agencies have registered under the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), with 20 already operational across several states. Additionally, the Union Government’s National Critical Minerals Mission is advancing exploration, mining, processing, recycling, and R&D through NMET funding and incentives.

Despite being the most active state in auctioning mineral blocks, Rajasthan faces hurdles in operationalising these assets due to delays in regulatory clearances.

Overall, ongoing reforms, enforcement, exploration initiatives, and collaborative partnerships are driving a higher revenue trajectory. However, streamlined approval processes will be essential to maintain long-term momentum.