Jhamrkota Mines of Rajasthan

The Jhamarkotra Mines, also known as Jhamar Kotra Mines, are among the most significant mineral deposits in India, located in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan. These mines are the largest producers of rock phosphate in the country and play a vital role in supporting India’s fertiliser industry. The Jhamarkotra deposit is regarded as the only commercially exploitable rock phosphate deposit in India, making it of immense strategic and economic importance.

Geological Setting and Composition

The Jhamarkotra deposit is situated within the Aravalli Range, one of the oldest geological formations in India. The ore primarily consists of phosphorite, which is a sedimentary rock rich in phosphate minerals such as fluorapatite. Associated minerals include calcite, dolomite, quartz, siderite, and goethite.
The phosphorite occurs in stratified sedimentary layers, interbedded with dolomitic and calcareous rocks. The geological structure of the area reveals folded and faulted formations, reflecting the tectonic activity that shaped the Aravalli region. The rock phosphate content of the ore varies between 20% and 35% P₂O₅, which is upgraded through beneficiation processes.

Discovery and Development

Mining activity at Jhamarkotra began in the late 1960s following the discovery of extensive phosphate-bearing formations during geological surveys. The project was undertaken by Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals Limited (RSMML), a public sector enterprise established to develop mineral resources in the state.
Initially, small-scale extraction was carried out manually, but the mines have since been developed into large-scale open-cast operations employing advanced drilling, blasting, and mechanised loading systems. Over the decades, Jhamarkotra has emerged as India’s largest open-cast rock phosphate mine outside the coal and steel sectors.

Ownership and Management

The Jhamarkotra Mines are managed and operated by Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals Limited (RSMML) under its Rock Phosphate Strategic Business Unit (SBU). RSMML oversees exploration, extraction, beneficiation, and transportation of the ore. The mining area spans approximately 18 square kilometres and is divided into multiple operational blocks for efficient management.
RSMML’s operations at Jhamarkotra are integrated with beneficiation plants that process the raw phosphate ore into marketable-grade concentrate suitable for fertiliser manufacturing.

Mining and Beneficiation Process

Mining at Jhamarkotra is conducted through open-cast methods, involving drilling, blasting, loading, and transportation of ore to the beneficiation plant. The raw ore contains impurities such as silica, clay, and carbonates, which must be removed before industrial use.
The beneficiation process includes the following steps:

• Crushing and grinding of ore to liberate phosphate minerals.
• Washing and flotation to separate gangue materials.
• Concentration of phosphate minerals to produce high-grade phosphate rock.

The beneficiation plant, initially established with a capacity of about 1,500 tonnes per day, has been expanded to around 3,000 tonnes per day. The processed rock phosphate is then supplied to fertiliser industries across India.

Production and Reserves

The Jhamarkotra deposit contains estimated reserves of over 70 million tonnes of rock phosphate, making it the largest in India. The mine contributes significantly to India’s total phosphate production and provides a reliable domestic source of raw material for the production of phosphatic fertilisers such as single superphosphate (SSP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP).
The rock phosphate produced here is a key input for India’s agricultural sector, supporting crop productivity and food security.

Economic and Industrial Significance

The Jhamarkotra Mines are of major economic importance to both Rajasthan and India. They:

• Supply raw material to several fertiliser plants across India.
• Generate significant revenue for the state government through royalties and exports.
• Provide direct and indirect employment to thousands of workers and support ancillary industries.
• Contribute to the development of the Udaipur region through infrastructure and industrial growth.

The mine has helped reduce India’s dependence on imported phosphate rock, strengthening the nation’s fertiliser self-sufficiency.

Environmental and Ecological Impact

Large-scale mining at Jhamarkotra has resulted in certain environmental challenges. The excavation and beneficiation processes generate mine overburden, tailings, and dust, which can cause air, water, and soil pollution.

• Air Pollution: Dust generated during drilling, blasting, and transportation affects nearby villages and vegetation.
• Water Pollution: Wastewater and tailings from beneficiation units can contaminate nearby streams and groundwater with phosphates and fluorides.
• Land Degradation: Open-cast mining leads to the removal of topsoil and vegetation, affecting the local ecology.
• Public Health: Prolonged exposure to dust and contaminated water has been linked to health issues such as respiratory disorders and fluorosis among local residents.

Efforts are being made to mitigate these effects through afforestation, water treatment systems, and the safe disposal of tailings. Sustainable mining practices and environmental management plans are being implemented to ensure ecological balance.

Socioeconomic Aspects

The Jhamarkotra Mines have transformed the local economy by creating employment opportunities and improving infrastructure such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities. However, issues related to land acquisition, displacement, and health impacts have also been reported among local communities.
RSMML has initiated corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes focusing on community welfare, education, and environmental conservation. These initiatives aim to balance economic development with social equity.

Significance in Indian Mining

The Jhamarkotra Mines hold a unique position in India’s mineral landscape as the country’s primary source of rock phosphate, a mineral essential for agriculture and industrial chemistry. The mine exemplifies the potential of state-managed mining enterprises in achieving resource-based development while confronting the challenges of sustainability.