Minerals of Odisha

Odisha topped among all the states as it contributed above 10% to total mineral production in the country.
The value of principal minerals produced remained at Rs. 22567.67 crore, an increase of 31.64% over the previous year period.
The value of minor minerals remained Rs. 85.68 crores.
Coal, bauxite, chromite, iron & manganese Ore and limestone almost contributed 99% of the total value of mineral production.
The state is gifted with large reserves of bauxite, chinaclay, chromite, coal, dolomite, fireclay, graphite, gemstones, iron ore, limestone, manganese ore, mineral sand, nickel ore, pyrophylite and quartz.
The rich mineral wealth of the state is attributed to its favourable Geological condition & setup.
Situated on the eastern fringe of the peninsular India, Orissa has about 72.5%of the area occupied by Precambrian Metamorphic Rocks (of Archaean and Proterozoic age) which hosts the majority of the minerals.

The Gondwanas hosting the coal Resources occur over about 8% of the landmass.
The tertiary and quaternary formations, occupying rest of the area, provide avenues for aluminous/ nickeliferous laterite and heavy minerals (in beach sand).
The Archaean rocks in northern Orissa include the Supracrustal belts of meta Sedimentary Rocks including Iron Ore Super Group having deposits of iron, manganese, gold and base metals. These are also represented by the gneisses, granite, migmatite (Singhbhum, Bonai and Mayurbhanj Plutons) and mafic/ ultramafic intrusives. These intrusive are linked with the chromite, titaniferous vanadiferous magnetite and PGM.
The Bastar cratonic complex of Archaean age in the Western Orissa includes gneisses, granite, migmatite and Strontium‐Tantalum‐Niobium bearing pegmatites.
Proterozoic rocks in the western Orissa exhibit platformal sedimentary formations and associated limestone deposits.
In north‐western Orissa they contain meta-sediments of low to medium metamorphic grade classified as the Gangpur Group, which host manganese, limestone and Lead‐Zinc deposits.
In central and southern Orissa, the Proterozoics are represented by the Eastern ghats granulite belt comprising of khondalite, charnockite, migmatite, anorthosite and alkaline rocks accounting for the mineralization of bauxite, manganese, graphite and gemstones.
The Mesozoic rocks of Gondwana Super Group host the major coal resources of the state. Formations of Cenozoic age occupy the eastern coastal plains in form of alluvial sediments, ash beds and low level laterite, providing avenues for occurrence of beach sand minerals and building materials. The deltaic fans extending into offshore regions play hosts for oil and gas.

The chromite, nickel, bauxite, iron ore and coal resources of the state of the Odisha respectively stand at a staggering 83, 92, 55, 38 and 26 percent of India’s total reserves.

Mineral Found in Odisha tabular information

Sl. No.	District of Odisha	Minerals Found in Respective Districts
1	Angul	fireclay, Granite
2	Bargarh	China clay, Dolomite, Graphite, Limestone
3	Bhubaneshwar	Fireclay
4	Bolangir	Bauxite, China Clay, Graphite, Manganese, Quartz/silica sand, Quartzite, granite
5	Balasore	Chromite
6	Boudh	China Clay, Graphite, Quartz/silica sand, granite
7	Cuttack	fireclay, granite
8	Dhenkanal	Chromite, Coal, fireclay, Iron Ore (H), Quartzite, titanium, granite
9	Ganjam	Garnet, sillimanite, titanium, zircon, granite
10	Jajpur	Chromite, Iron Ore (H), Quartzite, titanium, Cobalt, nickel
11	Jharsuguda	fireclay, Quartzite
12	Kalahandi	Bauxite, Graphite, Limestone, Quartz/silica sand
13	Kandhamal	Bauxite, Graphite
14	Khurda	fireclay, granite
15	Keonjhar	Bauxite, China Clay, Chromite, Dolomite, dunite / pyroxenite, Iron Ore (H), manganese, pyrophyllite, Quartzite, talc/steatite, Asbestos, granite, nickel, platinum group of metals
16	Koraput	Bauxite, Dolomite, Graphite, Iron Ore (H), Limestone, manganese, granite, tin
17	Malkangiri	Bauxite, Limestone, tin
18	Mayurbhanj	China Clay, Iron Ore (H), manganese, Quartz/silica sand, Quartzite, talc/steatite, titanium, Copper, granite, nickel
19	Nuapada	Graphite, Limestone, granite
20	Talcher	Coal
21	Sundergarh	Bauxite, China Clay, Dolomite, fireclay, Limestone, manganese, Quartz/silica sand, Quartzite, Lead, Silver
22	Sambalpur	China Clay, Coal, Dolomite, fireclay, Garnet, Limestone, manganese, Quartz/silica sand, sillimanite, talc/steatite, Copper, granite
23	Rayagada	Bauxite, Graphite, Quartz/silica sand, granite
24	Puri	fireclay

Some Other Mineral specific Explanation

DIAMOND

DISTRIBUTION –Nuapada District
LOCATION -Kalamidadar valley of Nuapada district Mahanadi river bed particularly from Binika in Subarnapur district to Madhapur in Boudh district
GEOLOGY –Diamond occurrences are associated with olivine-lamproite pipes within Bastar cratonic complex or at the interface of Bastar cratonic complex and Proterozoic cover sediments around Kalamidadar of Nuapada district . The secondary diamond occur in association with pebble and gravel of Mahanadi river particularly from Binika in Subarnapur district to Madhapur in Boudh district
USES- Jewelllery, oil drilling, grinding, cutting & polishing,

AQUAMARINE

DISTRIBUTION –Sambalpur District
LOCATION -Charbati, Beldihi
GEOLOGY -Associated with Eastern Ghats Granulite Belt interbanded with mafic and ultramafic complexes, anorthosites, and alkaline complexes intruded by granites, pegmatites and quartz vein Contact of beryl bearing pegmatite with ultramafic rocks
USES-As semi-precious stone

GOLD

DISTRIBUTION -Mayurbhanj District/ Kendujhar District/ Sundargada District/ Koraput District/ Anugul District
LOCATION -Suriagoda, Jagaguda, Ghutudihi, Maredihi, Janudihi, Jhabukucha, Jharadihi, Amdiha, Joshipur, Surda Dhusurapahar (Suleipat)/ Gopur, Salaikena, Dimirimunda, Rangadihi, Gajipur, Odal, Kushkala, Kardangi, Kalima, Koilisuta/ Digajharan, Malidihi, Ghoger/ DasmantpurGovindpalli, Kusumghati, Kyang, Kaliaguda
GEOLOGY -Occur within boulder-pebblyquartz conglomerate associated with metasediments and metabasites of Iron Ore super Group / Occur within quartz vein associated with Iron Ore Super Group of rocks/ On the bank of Ib river/ On the bank of Kolab river/ In Tikira river
USES -Ornament, metallurgical etc.

QUARTZ & QUARTZITE

DISTRIBUTION -Boudh, Baragada, Kandhamal, Kendujhar, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Mayurbhanj, Nuapada, Subarnapur, Nabrangpur, Rayagada & Koraput districts
LOCATION -Numerous occurrences of Boudh, Baragada, Kandhamal, Kendujhar, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Mayurbhanj, Nuapada, Subarnapur, Nabrangpur, Rayagada & Koraput districts
GEOLOGY -Quartz occurs in the form of veins and as a constituent of pegmatites. In Orissa, quartz and silica sand deposits are located in the Precambrian terrains Quartzite occurs as beds interstratified with other Metal
USES -Ceramic, Fertilizers, abrasives, electrical, paint, rubber, chemical and textile industries with different specifications. Transparent varieties of quartz such as rock crystals, amethyst, citrine, rose quartz and smoky quartz are used as semiprecious gem stones. Quartz is a piezoelectric material and is used in radio circuit, radars, ultrasonic devices, chronometers etc. Quartzites are used in refractory, iron and steel making, ferro-silicon, glass & ceramics etc

COAL

DISTRIBUTION -Anugul – Dhenkanal District / SambalpurJharsuguda Dist
LOCATION -Talcher Coalfield/ Ib River Coalfield
GEOLOGY -In the Barakar and Karaharbari formation of Lower Gondwana/ Kamthi/Raniganj Formation
USES -Thermal power generation

CHINA CLAY

DISTRIBUTION -Mayurbhanj District
LOCATION -Joshipur, Chanchbani, Dumuria, Jamda, Kadodiha, Jamkeswar & Thakurmunda .Dhobadiha, Kalapathuria, Sorisbari, Jamkesar, Kalikapur, Ramchandrapur, Kathkaranjia, Nanua, Nijli, Mangalpur, Tikasil etc
GEOLOGY -Occur in a long belt stretching from southern Singbhum to Mayurbhanj extending upto Kendujhar in the Singbhum Granite belt
USES -Ceramic, Pottery Industry, cement industry, textile, paper, rubber, paint

ASBESTOS

DISTRIBUTION -Malkangiri District
LOCATION -MV – 76 Uruvalley Madatalguda Billiguda Maharajpalli MV-114 MV-96
GEOLOGY -Occur in the contact of granite gneiss and amphibolites
Uses- Used for asbestos cement products such as asbestos cement sheets, pipes, brake linings, insulation mill boards, asbestos paper, and fire proof paints, clothes etc

TIN ORE (Cassiterite)

DISTRIBUTION – Malkangiri District
LOCATION -Bijapadar, Vederupalli, Durmaguda, Mohapadar, Kurumpalli, Gurupada, Permanasu
GEOLOGY -Associated with metasedimentari es and metabasics of Bengpal Group intruded by pegmatites and quartz veins and also as secondary placers
USES -Tin metal, packing material, tin plates, alloys with other metals, chemical use

BAUXITE

DISTRIBUTION -Koraput District / Raygada District/ Malkangiri District/ Kalahandi District/ Kandhamal District/ Kendujhar District/ Sundargada District/ Baphilimali, Sasubohumali, Pasangmali, Majhigaonmali, Sijimali, Tikrimali, Budharajamali, Taljhir, Dabuguda, Nangalghatmali etc/ Korkanda, Siktapalli and Korpalli/ KarlapatPollingpadar,KutrumaliTangridongar,Lanjigarh Niyamgiri,Keluamali, Krishunmali etc/ Anamini Parbat, RukuniCuttack, Demoli, Ushabali etc/ Tantra, Kodalia , Jaldihi, Kusumdihi etc.
LOCATION -Panchpatmali, Pottangi, Maliparbat, Ballada, Kodingamali, Hatimali, Kakrimali, Chintamgundi, Kornapadikonda, Medamgundi etc.
GEOLOGY -Associated with Eastern Ghat Super Group of Rocks i.e. Khondalites and Charnockites; Occur as blankets capping the parent rocks on plateau tops.
USES -Aluminium industry Refractory industry Chemical industry Petroleum industry

IRON ORE

DISTRIBUTION -Kendujhar District/ Sundargada District/ Mayurbhanj District/ Jajpur District
LOCATION -Roida-Bhadrasahi, Unchabali, Jajang, Jurudi, Belkundi, Bolani, Khandbandh, Katamati, Thakurani, Gandhamardan, Joda-East, Haromoto, Guali, Kasia, Malangtoli etc. / Barsuan,Taldihi, Kalta, Khajuridihi, Ganua, Koira, Kurmitarpahar, Rantha, Mankarnacha, , Badamgarh pahar, Baliapahar MithihurdaBasada etc./ Suleipat, Ghusura, Gorumahisani, Badampahar, etc.
GEOLOGY -Iron ore bands occur in layered BIF along with volcanosedimentary rock piles known as Iron Ore Super Group
USES -Pig iron Sponge iron Steel Blast Furnace Alloys

MINERAL SAND

DISTRIBUTION -Ganjam Coast/ Puri Coast
LOCATION -All along Ganjam coast from A.P.-Orissa border to Ganjam-Puri border. Important Sector are: Gopalpur Sector, Chhatrapur Sector and Prayagi Sector / On both side of Chilka lake PaikirapurBajrakot Sector and Brahmagiri Sector
GEOLOGY -Eastern Ghats Super Group of rocks on weathering release the heavy minerals ,which are carried into the sea by many rivers , tidal waves, littoral drift, wind action etc. have played their part in the concentration of heavy minerals.
USES

Ilmenite : Source of titanium, used for manufacture of titanium dioxide & ferro-titanium alloys
Rutile: Source of titanium used for titanium dioxide pigment welding electrodes production of titanium sponge & metal
Zircon: Foundaries, ceramics, refractories
Sillimanite: Manufacture of high temperature refractories
Garnet: Used as abrasive
Monazite: Production of Rare Earth Compounds – Thorium, Uranium Helium

Odisha is a state in eastern India. It is the eighth-largest state in India by area and the 11th-most populous state. The state is known for its rich mineral resources, including bauxite, coal, copper, iron ore, limestone, manganese, mica, nickel, phosphate, quartz, sand, silt, slate, talc, titanium, tungsten, uranium, and zinc.

Bauxite is a mineral that is used to produce aluminum. Odisha is the second-largest producer of bauxite in India, after Jharkhand. The state’s bauxite reserves are estimated to be 1.2 billion tonnes.

Coal is a fossil fuel that is used to generate electricity. Odisha is the fourth-largest producer of coal in India, after Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal. The state’s coal reserves are estimated to be 28 billion tonnes.

Copper is a metal that is used in a variety of products, including electrical wiring, plumbing, and construction. Odisha is the third-largest producer of copper in India, after Jharkhand and Rajasthan. The state’s copper reserves are estimated to be 1.2 billion tonnes.

Iron ore is a mineral that is used to produce iron and steel. Odisha is the largest producer of iron ore in India. The state’s iron ore reserves are estimated to be 9 billion tonnes.

Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is used in a variety of products, including cement, construction, and agriculture. Odisha is the second-largest producer of limestone in India, after Rajasthan. The state’s limestone reserves are estimated to be 10 billion tonnes.

Manganese is a metal that is used in a variety of products, including batteries, steel, and alloys. Odisha is the second-largest producer of manganese in India, after Madhya Pradesh. The state’s manganese reserves are estimated to be 2.5 billion tonnes.

Mica is a mineral that is used in a variety of products, including electrical insulation, cosmetics, and roofing. Odisha is the largest producer of mica in India. The state’s mica reserves are estimated to be 1.5 billion tonnes.

Nickel is a metal that is used in a variety of products, including batteries, stainless steel, and alloys. Odisha is the third-largest producer of nickel in India, after Jharkhand and Karnataka. The state’s nickel reserves are estimated to be 200 million tonnes.

Phosphate is a mineral that is used in a variety of products, including fertilizers, animal feed, and detergents. Odisha is the second-largest producer of phosphate in India, after Jharkhand. The state’s phosphate reserves are estimated to be 1.5 billion tonnes.

Quartz is a mineral that is used in a variety of products, including glass, ceramics, and electronics. Odisha is the second-largest producer of quartz in India, after Andhra Pradesh. The state’s quartz reserves are estimated to be 1 billion tonnes.

Sand is a granular material that is used in a variety of products, including concrete, glass, and abrasives. Odisha is the second-largest producer of sand in India, after Gujarat. The state’s sand reserves are estimated to be 10 billion tonnes.

Silt is a fine-grained sediment that is used in a variety of products, including concrete, bricks, and ceramics. Odisha is the second-largest producer of silt in India, after Uttar Pradesh. The state’s silt reserves are estimated to be 5 billion tonnes.

Slate is a metamorphic rock that is used in a variety of products, including roofing, flooring, and countertops. Odisha is the second-largest producer of slate in India, after Jharkhand. The state’s slate reserves are estimated to be 1 billion tonnes.

Talc is a mineral that is used in a variety of products, including cosmetics, paper, and ceramics. Odisha is the second-largest producer of talc in India, after Rajasthan. The state’s talc reserves are estimated to be 1 billion tonnes.

Titanium is a metal that is used in a variety of products, including aircraft, automobiles, and jewelry. Odisha is the third-largest producer of titanium in India, after Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The state’s titanium reserves are estimated to be 200 million tonnes.

Tungsten is a metal that is used in a variety of products, including electronics, lighting, and machinery. Odisha is the second-largest producer of tungsten in India, after Jharkhand. The state’s tungsten reserves are estimated to be 100 million tonnes.

Uranium is a radioactive metal that is used in a variety of products, including nuclear power Plants and medical imaging. Odisha is the second-largest producer of uranium in India,

What are the different types of minerals?

Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic, solid substances with a definite chemical composition and crystal structure. There are over 5,000 known minerals, but only about 200 are common.

What are the most common minerals?

The most common minerals are quartz, feldspar, and mica. Quartz is the most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust, followed by feldspar and mica.

What are the uses of minerals?

Minerals are used in a variety of products, including construction materials, electronics, and jewelry. Some common uses of minerals include:

Construction materials: Minerals such as sand, gravel, and limestone are used in the construction of roads, buildings, and other structures.
Electronics: Minerals such as silicon and copper are used in the manufacture of electronics, such as computers and cell phones.
Jewelry: Minerals such as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires are used in jewelry.

What are the benefits of minerals?

Minerals provide a number of benefits, including:

They are essential for human Health. Minerals are necessary for the proper functioning of the body, and deficiencies can lead to a variety of health problems.
They are used in a variety of products. Minerals are used in a variety of products, including construction materials, electronics, and jewelry.
They are a Source Of Income. Mining is a major source of income for many countries.

What are the risks of minerals?

Mining can have a number of negative environmental impacts, including:

Air Pollution: Mining can release dust and other pollutants into the air.
Water Pollution: Mining can contaminate water supplies with heavy metals and other pollutants.
Land degradation: Mining can damage land and make it unusable for other purposes.

Mining can also have a number of negative social impacts, including:

Human Rights abuses: Mining companies have been accused of human rights abuses, such as child labor and forced labor.
Displacement: Mining can displace people from their homes and land.
Health problems: Mining can expose people to hazardous chemicals and dust, which can lead to health problems.

What are the regulations for mining?

Mining is regulated by a variety of government agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). These agencies set standards for air quality, water quality, and worker safety.

What is the future of mining?

The future of mining is uncertain. The demand for minerals is expected to increase as the world’s Population grows and economies develop. However, the environmental and social impacts of mining are becoming increasingly well-known, and there is growing pressure to regulate the industry more strictly.

Here are some MCQs about minerals:

Which of the following is not a mineral?
(a) Gold
(b) Diamond
(c) Water
(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 the hardest mineral on Earth?
(a) Diamond
(b) Corundum
(c) Topaz
(d) Quartz
Which of the following is the most valuable mineral on Earth?
(a) Gold
(b) Platinum
(c) Silver
(d) Diamond
Which of the following is the most common mineral in the human body?
(a) Calcium
(b) Phosphorus
(c) Potassium
(d) Sodium
Which of the following is the most important mineral for plant Growth?
(a) Nitrogen
(b) Phosphorus
(c) Potassium
(d) Calcium
Which of the following is the most important mineral for animal growth?
(a) Calcium
(b) Phosphorus
(c) Potassium
(d) Sodium
Which of the following is the most important mineral for human health?
(a) Calcium
(b) Phosphorus
(c) Potassium
(d) Sodium
Which of the following is the most important mineral for the Environment?
(a) Oxygen
(b) Silicon
(c) Aluminum
(d) Iron
Which of the following is the most important mineral for the economy?
(a) Gold
(b) Platinum
(c) Silver
(d) Diamond