Rajasthan: Minerals

Rajasthan enjoys a virtual monopoly in the production of minerals like wollastonite, lead, zinc, calcite, gypsum, rock phosphate, silver, marble, sandstone and serpentine (green marble). There are approximately 3,403 mining leases for Major Minerals and 11,861 minor leases and 18,249 quarry licenses in the State.

Western Rajasthan has proven large deposits of hydrocarbons and Barmer has estimated reserves of 6.5-7.2 million barrels (900-1000 million tonnes of crude oil equivalent). 25-30 billion cubic metre natural gas reserves have been discovered in Manohar Tiba, Tanot, Dandewala and Shahgarh in Jaisalmer basin. Additionally, 25 million tonnes heavy oil reserves and 53 MT bitumen have been discovered in Bikaner-Nagaur Basin.

Mining sector in Rajasthan is another pre-eminent sector next to agriculture. There are about 42 major and 28 minor minerals found in the region. This sector provides EMPLOYMENT to about two million mine workers throughout the state.

GOLD

A total of 118.88 million tonnes of Gold Ore Resources were estimated in the State including 105.81 million tonnes resources of Bhukhia-Jagpura-Delwarabelt (Banswara) with 0.50gm/t cut-off grade. Gold was also proved along with Copper in Dhani-Basri area of Dausa district, Khera-Mundiawas area of Alwar district and Dokan area of Sikar district. Beside above, gold is also extracted as by product in Khetri Copper-Belt (district Jhunjhunu).

COPPER

In the State copper deposits are located in the districts of Jhunhunu, Sikar, Sirohi, Udaipur, Bhilwara, Ajmer, Alwar, Bharatpur, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand and Dungarpur. With resources of 809.09 million tonnes, the State possesses substantial share of 54% of the total resources of country. The State is the second leading producer of copper concentrate contributing 41% of the nation’s output.

IRON

The Iron-Ore Deposits are located in the district of Jaipur, Udaipur, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Bhilwara, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa and Banswara. About 2621 million tones resources of Iron–Ore (Both Hematite & Magnetite) are estimated in the State. The important localities of Iron-Ore are Morija- Neemala (Jaipur), Lalsot (Dausa), Rampura, Dabla (Sikar), Taonda (Jhunjhunu), Pur-Banera, Bigod (Bhilwara)

Non-Ferrous

The huge sandy expanse of Rajasthan is rich in the white and bright Wollastonite (used primarily in ceramics, plastics and as a paint filler), lead, zinc, calcite (basically used as a construction material), gypsum, rock phosphate (to make organic manure), silver, marble, sandstone and serpentine (green marble), dolomite, emeralds and garnets.

Large deposits of hydrocarbons have been found in Western Rajasthan and an estimated reserve of 1000 million tonnes of crude oil equivalents in Barmer. In the Jaisalmer basin region in Manohar Tiba, Tanot, Dandewala and Shahgarh 25-30 billion cubic metre natural gas reserves have been discovered. The Bikaner-Nagaur Basin also has rich heavy oil reserves.

Rajasthan is the second largest mineral producing state in India and houses about 90% of the total mineral reserves of the country.

It Shares 24% of the aggregate national production of Non-Metallic Minerals.

The following table shows the share of Rajasthan in terms of reserve and production of the principal minerals-

Minerals	Reserve(million tones)	Production (million tones)
Copper Ore	35	0.98
Lead and Zinc Ore	75	2.64
Gypsum	70	2.86
Limestone	1990	21.19
Rock Phosphate	60	1.18

In India, Rajasthan is the greatest producer of non-ferric metals such as copper and zinc and accounts for 40% of the country’s copper production and 100% of zinc production. The state also accounts for 85% of lead production, 94% of gypsum, 76% of silver ore, 68% of feldspar, 84% of asbestos and 12% mica.

The dry terrain of Rajasthan is also repository of colossal slabs of stone and accounts for 65% of India’s stone production. The state accounts for 90 % of the marble, slate and sandstone production. In 2000-01, the stone exports from Rajasthan were estimated at around 2324 million rupees.

Thus the mineral and mining sector of Rajasthan is a very important revenue earner for the state. From this sector Rajasthan earns (as mineral royalty) an annual income of more than US$ 100 Million.

Rajasthan houses rich salt deposits at Sambhar, which is India’s largest inland salt lake. There are large copper mines in the.Khetri region. Khetri Copper Complex (KCC) has copper smelting and refining facilities developed and maintained by Hindustan Copper Limited.

Hindustan Zinc Limited manages the large zinc mines at Dariba. Markana near Jodhpur is the site where white marble is mined. It is said that Markana marble was used in the making of the Taj Mahal.

Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals Limited (RSMML) is one of the significant Government undertakings of Rajasthan that is involved in the mining and Marketing of non metallic minerals such as Limestone, Rock Phosphate, Lignite and Gypsum.

The Sanu Limestone Unit in Jaislamer is the largest producer and supplier of steel grade limestone in the country. This kind low silica and hard compact limestone is best suited for Steel Industry. This region houses about 167 million tonnes of S.M.S grade limestone and 2153 million tonnes of cement grade limestone. Steel Authority of India Ltd, Tata Iron & steel Company Ltd, Rastriya Ispat Nigam Ltd, Indian Iron & steel company and Jindal Iron & Steel Ltd form the prestigious list of clients of the Sanu Limestone Unit.

Limestone Unit, Gotan near Jodhpur contains very low silica, high calcium limestone. Shree Ram Vinyl & Chemicals, J. K. White Cement Works, and ACC Ltd etc are their esteemed clients. Fluorspar Unit, Bhinmal near Jodhpur has mineral Fluorspar deposits in the volcanic rocks. Fluorspar is an essential mineral in steel and aluminium industry.

Rajasthan State Mines & Minerals Limited is one of the premier public sector enterprises of Government of Rajasthan, primarily engaged in mining and marketing of industrial minerals in the State. The prime objective of the company is to achieve cost effective technological innovations in the mining of minerals and to diversify into mineral-based downstream projects.It is primarily engaged in Mining and Marketing of High Grade Rock phosphate, Lignite, Limestone & Gypsum (Non-Metallic minerals) through its mines located at various locations at Rajasthan.

Following four mineral based Strategic Business Units & Profit Centres (SBU & PC) namely Rock Phosphate, Lignite, Gypsum and Limestone have been set up as a part of corporate restructuring:

Strategic Business Unit and Profit Centre – Rock Phosphateat Udaipur. Jhamarkotra Phosphate Rock Mine
Strategic Business Unit and Profit Centre –Gypsumat Bikaner
Strategic Business Unit and Profit Centre – Limestoneat Jodhpur
Strategic Business Unit and Profit Centre –Ligniteat Jaipur

Rajasthan is a state in northwestern India. It is the largest state in India by area, covering 342,239 square kilometers (132,139 sq mi). Rajasthan is bordered by the Indian states of Gujarat to the northwest, Haryana and Punjab to the north, Uttar Pradesh to the northeast, Madhya Pradesh to the east, and Gujarat and Maharashtra to the south. The state has a coastline of 650 kilometers (400 mi) along the Arabian Sea in the west.

The capital of Rajasthan is Jaipur. The other major cities in the state are Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kota, Bikaner, and Ajmer.

Rajasthan is a land of deserts, Mountains, and forests. The Thar Desert, the largest desert in India, covers most of the state. The Aravalli Range, a mountain range that runs through the state, is home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

Rajasthan is a popular tourist destination. The state is home to many historical and cultural sites, including the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, the City Palace in Jaipur, and the Lake Palace in Udaipur.

Rajasthan is also a major producer of minerals. The state is home to large deposits of bauxite, coal, diamond, fluorite, gypsum, iron ore, limestone, manganese ore, mica, petroleum, salt, shale, sulphur, thorium, and zinc.

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

Coal is a fossil fuel that is used to generate electricity. Rajasthan is the third largest producer of coal in India. The state’s coal reserves are estimated to be 30 billion tonnes.

Diamond is a precious stone that is used in jewelry. Rajasthan is the second largest producer of diamond in India. The state’s diamond reserves are estimated to be 100 million carats.

Fluorite is a mineral that is used in the production of steel and aluminum. Rajasthan is the largest producer of fluorite in India. The state’s fluorite reserves are estimated to be 100 million tonnes.

Gypsum is a mineral that is used in the production of cement and plaster. Rajasthan is the second largest producer of gypsum in India. The state’s gypsum reserves are estimated to be 1 billion tonnes.

Iron ore is a mineral that is used in the production of steel. Rajasthan is the fourth largest producer of iron ore in India. The state’s iron ore reserves are estimated to be 1.5 billion tonnes.

Limestone is a mineral that is used in the production of cement and building materials. Rajasthan is the largest producer of limestone in India. The state’s limestone reserves are estimated to be 10 billion tonnes.

Manganese ore is a mineral that is used in the production of steel. Rajasthan is the second largest producer of manganese ore in India. The state’s manganese ore reserves are estimated to be 100 million tonnes.

Mica is a mineral that is used in the production of electrical insulation. Rajasthan is the largest producer of mica in India. The state’s mica reserves are estimated to be 10 million tonnes.

Petroleum is a fossil fuel that is used to generate electricity and power vehicles. Rajasthan is the sixth largest producer of petroleum in India. The state’s petroleum reserves are estimated to be 1 billion barrels.

Salt is a mineral that is used in food and other products. Rajasthan is the second largest producer of salt in India. The state’s salt reserves are estimated to be 1 billion tonnes.

Shale is a sedimentary rock that is used in the production of oil and gas. Rajasthan is the second largest producer of shale in India. The state’s shale reserves are estimated to be 100 billion tonnes.

Sulphur is a mineral that is used in the production of fertilizer and sulfuric acid. Rajasthan is the second largest producer of sulphur in India. The state’s sulphur reserves are estimated to be 10 million tonnes.

Thorium is a radioactive mineral that is used in the production of nuclear power. Rajasthan is the largest producer of thorium in India. The state’s thorium reserves are estimated to be 600,000 tonnes.

Zinc is a Metal that is used in the production of batteries and other products. Rajasthan is the second largest producer of zinc in India. The state’s zinc reserves are estimated to be 10 million tonnes.

Rajasthan is a major producer of minerals. The state’s mineral resources are important for the Indian economy.

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 4,000 known minerals, but only a few are common. The most common minerals are quartz, feldspar, and mica.

What are the uses of minerals?

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

Building materials: Minerals such as sand, gravel, and limestone are used in the construction of buildings, roads, and bridges.
Electronics: Minerals such as silicon and copper are used in the manufacture of electronics, such as computers and smartphones.
Jewelry: Minerals such as gold, silver, and diamonds are used in jewelry.

What are the environmental impacts of mining?

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 sediment, metals, and other pollutants.
Land degradation: Mining can damage land surfaces and Ecosystems.
Social impacts: Mining can displace people from their homes and communities.

What are the sustainable mining practices?

Sustainable mining is the practice of extracting minerals in a way that minimizes environmental and social impacts. Sustainable mining practices include:

Using less water and energy
Restoring land after mining is complete
Compensating people who are displaced by mining
Investing in local communities

What are 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. It is likely that there will be a growing focus on sustainable mining practices in the future.

Which of the following is not a mineral found in Rajasthan?
(A) Bauxite
(B) Copper
(C) Gold
(D) Iron ore
The largest producer of which of the following minerals is Rajasthan?
(A) Bauxite
(B) Copper
(C) Gold
(D) Iron ore
Rajasthan is the second largest producer of which of the following minerals in India?
(A) Bauxite
(B) Copper
(C) Gold
(D) Iron ore
The main iron ore producing district in Rajasthan is:
(A) Barmer
(B) Bikaner
(C) Jaisalmer
(D) Jodhpur
The main copper producing district in Rajasthan is:
(A) Banswara
(B) Chittorgarh
(C) Udaipur
(D) Jhalawar
The main gold producing district in Rajasthan is:
(A) Alwar
(B) Bharatpur
(C) Dausa
(D) Karauli
The main bauxite producing district in Rajasthan is:
(A) Banswara
(B) Chittorgarh
(C) Udaipur
(D) Jhalawar
The main limestone producing district in Rajasthan is:
(A) Barmer
(B) Bikaner
(C) Jaisalmer
(D) Jodhpur
The main marble producing district in Rajasthan is:
(A) Alwar
(B) Bharatpur
(C) Dausa
(D) Karauli
The main sandstone producing district in Rajasthan is:
(A) Jaipur
(B) Jodhpur
(C) Kota
(D) Udaipur