Minerals in Meghalaya

Meghalaya is endowed with sizeable deposits of a number of valuable minerals. Coal, limestone, uranium, granite, kaolin, clay and glass sand are the principal minerals. A brief account of mineral Resources is as follows:

Limestone

An extensive bed of limestone occurs in the Southern part of the State from Jaintia Hills in the East and Garo Hills in the West. The main deposits are found around Cherrapunjee, Mawlong, Ichamati, Shella, Komorrah in the East Khasi Hills district; Borsora and Bagli in the West Khasi Hills district; Lakadong, Lumshnong and Nongkhlieh in the Jaintia Hills district; and Darrang Era-aning, Siju, Chokpot in the South Garo Hills district.

Coal

Most of the coal reserves in Meghalaya are tertiary reserves.Coal occurs in Mikir Hills, Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills districts. The production of upgraded coal was reported by private non-captive mines in the unorganised sector located in these areas except Mikir Hills district. The mines are operated mostly by the local tribals in their private lands.

Uranium reserves in Meghalaya

Meghalaya is the third uranium rich state in the country after Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh. The state accounts for 16 per cent of Indias uranium reserves, with deposits estimated to be around 9,500 tones and 4,000 tones respectively at Domiasiat and Wakhyn, both in West Khasi hills region.

Kyelleng-Pyndengsohiong, Mawthabah (KPM) uranium mining project is located in the West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya state in the North East region of India. Formerly this project was also known as Domiasiat uranium mining project. The Atomic Mineral Directorate for Exploration and Research in 1972 found evidences of uranium deposits in the area which was confirmed by 1996 after intensive drilling between 1992 and 1996. Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) proposes to mine it using open pit mining method up to a depth of 45 m. The processing plant will be constructed at Mawthabah. It is estimated that KPM deposit in Meghalaya will last for 25 years.

Clay

Clay of various types such as Kaolin (China clay), white clay, and fire clay are found in various parts of the states. These clay are suitable for the ceramic, paper, rubber and refractory industries. It has been estimated that there are a few hundred million tonnes of clay reserved in the state.

Granite reserves

Deposits of multi-coloured granite have been located around nongpoh in the Ri-Bhoi district, mylliem in the east khasi hills district; mawkyrwat and nongstoin in the west khasi hills distric.

Sand deposits

The sand deposits of the State are mainly concentrated in Khasi hills. The glass deposits of Laitryn grew coal field and around Shillong are found to be suitable for manufacturing of ordinary bottle glasrs, window glass etc. and with some chemical pu rification even for sheet glass and flint glass. Some of the sands are within the specifica tion o f foundry sands, which are now in great demand in the country. The estimated reserve of glass deposits is about 2.30 m illion tonnes as against Tripura – 0.18 m illion tones.

Feldspar and quartz occur near Tura in Garo hills and near Hahim in Khasi Hills. The estimated mining reserve of feldspar in the State (0.02 million tonnes) is at par with Assam (0.02 million tonne),2 3456 while the quartz is 2.03 m illion tonnes as compared to Tripura – 0.19 million tonnes.

Massive sillimanite associated with corrundum occurs in Khasi hills . More than 2i deposits have been located in the vicinity of Sonapahar, Nongpur and Nongbain villages and are worked by the Assam Sillimanite Ltd. Most of the deposits contain sillimanite with admixed corrundum to a little extent, one or two entirely of corrundum and several of sillimanite only.

Meghalaya is a state in north-eastern India. It is the wettest place on Earth, with an Average annual rainfall of over 11,871 mm (467 in). The state is home to a number of different ethnic groups, including the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia peoples. Meghalaya is also home to a number of different religions, including Christianity, Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism, and Islam.

Meghalaya is a mineral-rich state. The most important minerals found in Meghalaya are bauxite, chromite, coal, diamond, fluorite, gold, graphite, gypsum, iron Ore, limestone, magnetite, manganese ore, mica, nepheline syenite, perlite, quartz, sapphire, talc, tourmaline, and zinc ore.

Bauxite is a mineral that is used to produce aluminum. Bauxite is found in the Jaintia Hills and the Garo Hills.

Chromite is a mineral that is used to produce chromium. Chromite is found in the East Khasi Hills and the West Khasi Hills.

Coal is a fossil fuel that is used to generate electricity. Coal is found in the Garo Hills and the Jaintia Hills.

Diamond is a precious stone that is used in jewelry. Diamonds are found in the Jaintia Hills.

Fluorite is a mineral that is used to produce hydrofluoric acid. Fluorite is found in the East Khasi Hills and the West Khasi Hills.

Gold is a precious Metal that is used in jewelry and coins. Gold is found in the Garo Hills and the Jaintia Hills.

Graphite is a mineral that is used to make pencils and lubricants. Graphite is found in the East Khasi Hills and the West Khasi Hills.

Gypsum is a mineral that is used to make plaster of Paris. Gypsum is found in the East Khasi Hills and the West Khasi Hills.

Iron ore is a mineral that is used to produce iron and steel. Iron ore is found in the Garo Hills and the Jaintia Hills.

Limestone is a mineral that is used to make cement and lime. Limestone is found in the East Khasi Hills and the West Khasi Hills.

Magnetite is a mineral that is used to produce iron and steel. Magnetite is found in the East Khasi Hills and the West Khasi Hills.

Manganese ore is a mineral that is used to produce manganese metal. Manganese ore is found in the Garo Hills and the Jaintia Hills.

Mica is a mineral that is used to make electrical insulation. Mica is found in the East Khasi Hills and the West Khasi Hills.

Nepheline syenite is a mineral that is used to produce glass and ceramics. Nepheline syenite is found in the East Khasi Hills and the West Khasi Hills.

Perlite is a mineral that is used to make insulation and filtration materials. Perlite is found in the East Khasi Hills and the West Khasi Hills.

Quartz is a mineral that is used to make glass and electronics. Quartz is found in the East Khasi Hills and the West Khasi Hills.

Sapphire is a precious stone that is used in jewelry. Sapphires are found in the Jaintia Hills.

Silicosis is a lung disease that is caused by inhaling silica dust. Silicosis is a serious problem in Meghalaya, where many people work in the mining Industry.

Talc is a mineral that is used to make cosmetics and lubricants. Talc is found in the East Khasi Hills and the West Khasi Hills.

Tourmaline is a mineral that is used in jewelry. Tourmalines are found in the Jaintia Hills.

Zinc ore is a mineral that is used to produce zinc metal. Zinc ore is found in the Garo Hills and the Jaintia Hills.

The mining industry is an important part of the economy of Meghalaya. The State Government has taken steps to regulate the mining industry and to protect the Environment. However, there are still concerns about the impact of mining on the environment and on the Health of the people who work in the mining industry.

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about minerals:

What are minerals?
Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic, solid substances with a definite chemical composition and crystal structure.
What are the different types of minerals?
There are over 4,000 known minerals, but only about 200 are common. The most common minerals are quartz, feldspar, and mica.
What are the uses of minerals?
Minerals are used in a variety of products, including building materials, electronics, and jewelry.
Where are minerals found?
Minerals are found in rocks and soils. They can also be found in water and air.
How are minerals formed?
Minerals are formed by the cooling and crystallization of magma or lava. They can also be formed by the weathering and erosion of rocks.
What are the benefits of minerals?
Minerals provide essential nutrients for Plants and animals. They are also used in a variety of products that make our lives easier.
What are the risks of minerals?
Some minerals can be toxic if ingested or inhaled. They can also cause skin irritation.
How can I learn more about minerals?
There are many resources available to learn more about minerals. You can visit a museum, read a book, or take a class.
What are some common misconceptions about minerals?
One common misconception is that all minerals are valuable. In fact, most minerals are not valuable. Another misconception is that all minerals are rare. In fact, many minerals are common.
What are some interesting facts about minerals?
One interesting fact about minerals is that they can be used to tell time. The mineral calcite, for example, can be used to make a sundial. Another interesting fact is that some minerals can be used to generate electricity. The mineral galena, for example, can be used to make a battery.
What are some future trends in the mineral industry?
The mineral industry is expected to grow in the future. This is due to the increasing demand for minerals in a variety of products.

Which of the following is not a mineral?
(A) Gold
(B) Silver
(C) Diamond
(D) Coal
Which of the following is the most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust?
(A) Oxygen
(B) Silicon
(C) Aluminum
(D) Iron
Which of the following is a non-metallic mineral?
(A) Gold
(B) Silver
(C) Diamond
(D) Coal
Which of the following is a metallic mineral?
(A) Gold
(B) Silver
(C) Diamond
(D) Coal
Which of the following is a gemstone?
(A) Gold
(B) Silver
(C) Diamond
(D) Coal
Which of the following is a fossil fuel?
(A) Coal
(B) Oil
(C) Natural gas
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is a renewable resource?
(A) Coal
(B) Oil
(C) Natural gas
(D) None of the above
Which of the following is a non-renewable resource?
(A) Coal
(B) Oil
(C) Natural gas
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is a mineral that is used to make jewelry?
(A) Gold
(B) Silver
(C) Diamond
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is a mineral that is used to make electronics?
(A) Gold
(B) Silver
(C) Copper
(D) All of the above