Uttar Pradesh is looking to leverage the mining sector to achieve its overarching $trillion economy goal as envisioned by chief minister Yogi Adityanath.
Underlining the crucial role of mining, the CM at the sector has evolved beyond just mineral extraction to becoming a key driver of the state’s economic growth, investment attraction and local employment generation.
During a recent review meeting of the UP Department of Geology and Mining, he noted the state’s mining policy has emerged as a model of transparency and technological efficiency.
UP’s mineral revenue has recorded an average annual growth rate of 18.14% between FYs 2021–22 and 2024–25. In FY 2024–25, the revenue from major minerals stood at more than Rs 608 crore.
Remarkably, in just the first two months of the current FY 2025–26, the state has already generated Rs 623 crore in revenue — reflecting the sector’s consistent growth.
Meanwhile, the leases for major minerals such as phosphorite, iron ore and gold have been successfully auctioned in recent years.
He directed officials to expedite the composite licensing process and ensure timely identification of potential mining zones along with the speedy preparation of geological reports.
Emphasising the impact of transparent and investor-friendly policies, the CM noted that prominent companies like JSW, Adani Group, Tata Steel and UltraTech Cement have envinced interest in investing in the UP landscape.
The department has undertaken substantial work across more than 70 sub-indicators to secure Uttar Pradesh a top position in the State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI).
A 100% implementation of the Mine Surveillance System has been achieved in all mining districts, leading to significant improvements in the average timeline for environmental clearances and enhancing the overall transparency of regulatory procedures.
Yogi instructed that the remaining reforms be completed within the stipulated timeframe to ensure UP attains ‘Category-A’ status in SMRI.
To curb illegal mining, transportation and storage, he exhoted for a robust monitoring mechanism in coordination with transport operators.
He stressed that mining activities will not be permitted in river catchment areas, and strict accountability will be enforced against responsible officials if violations occur.
Officials reported that 57 technology-enabled check gates have been installed, and 21,477 vehicles have been blacklisted.
Systems such as the Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), color coding and white tagging are functioning efficiently.
The CM directed that only GPS-enabled vehicles meeting the required standards should be authorised for mineral transportation and that their movement must be tracked in real-time through the VTS module.
Since 2024, the PGRS laboratory and drone surveys have identified 99 potential mining sites, of which 23 have been deemed suitable for operations.
Post-monsoon assessments have also been conducted for sand/morang deposits in 52 locations.
The CM instructed that monitoring of active leases and volumetric analysis for accurate extraction assessment should be intensified.
Meanwhile, the regulation fees collected from brick kilns amounted to almost Rs 259 crore in 2024–25 and Rs 71 crore as of 2025–26.
He directed that the brick kiln domain be modernised through the adoption of technology and innovation, with regular engagement with kiln operators.
Additionally, he directed that the process of issuing new leases for minor minerals be completed during the monsoon season, enabling mining activities to commence from October 15.