Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday emphasized that the mineral-rich state must build an identity based not only on its natural resources but also on knowledge, while advocating for the use of technology to make mining more sustainable.
Addressing the National Stakeholders Consultation 2026 organized by the Jharkhand government in New Delhi, Soren asserted that the state is inseparable from India's growth story and called for long-term partnerships with industry. "If we talk about the country's industrial growth, we don't see that happening without Jharkhand in the picture," he said, noting that the state has contributed not only mineral resources but also bureaucrats, technologists, and skilled professionals.
Caution Against 'Copy-Paste' Development
Soren cautioned against adopting a "copy-paste" approach to development, stressing that every state has its own strengths and ecosystem. "We want AI, technology and good governance. The way AI and technology are developing, we need to see how mining can be carried out scientifically while protecting ecology," he said.
Mining activities are currently carried out in 14 of Jharkhand's 24 districts. Soren said technological advancements should be harnessed to balance economic development with environmental protection.
Critical Mineral Reserves: Uranium and Mica
The chief minister highlighted the state's reserves of critical minerals, including uranium and mica. He stated that Jharkhand has significant uranium deposits, citing assessments that suggest the reserves could meet the country's requirements for decades.
Regarding mica, Soren pointed to challenges in assessing the extent of deposits, noting that neither the state nor the central government currently possesses adequate technology to accurately estimate the resource.
Identity from Minds, Not Just Mines
"Our identity should not come just from mines, but also from minds. It should be about action as well as innovation, growth as well as inclusive growth," Soren said.
The two-day consultation, which began on Wednesday, has brought together policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and experts to discuss digital governance, artificial intelligence, industrial promotion, investment, and tourism, according to a statement from the state government.
