Mines in India by State

India is richly endowed with a diverse range of mineral resources that form the foundation of its industrial and economic growth. The country is among the world’s leading producers of coal, iron ore, bauxite, mica, and limestone. The distribution of minerals across India is uneven, with the most abundant reserves concentrated in the peninsular plateau, particularly in the eastern, central, and southern regions. Mining plays a crucial role in providing raw materials for industries such as steel, cement, power generation, and infrastructure development.

Overview of India’s Mineral Wealth

India produces about 95 different types of minerals, including 4 fuel minerals, 10 metallic minerals, 23 non-metallic minerals, 3 atomic minerals, and 55 minor minerals. The country’s mineral resources are regulated under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and exploration activities are conducted by agencies such as the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM).
The mineral-rich areas of India correspond largely with the old crystalline rocks of the peninsular plateau, stretching across Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

Major Mineral-Producing States of India

Jharkhand

Jharkhand is known as the mining capital of India, owing to its rich deposits of fuel and metallic minerals.

• Coal: The Jharia, Bokaro, and Dhanbad coalfields are among the richest in Asia.
• Iron Ore: Found in Noamundi, Gua, and Kiriburu regions.
• Copper: Produced from the Rakha, Mosabani, and Kendadih mines.
• Mica: Mined in Koderma and Giridih districts.
• Uranium: Extracted from the Jaduguda mines in Singhbhum.Jharkhand supports major industrial hubs such as Jamshedpur and Bokaro, known for steel and heavy industries.

Odisha

Odisha is India’s leading mineral-producing state, rich in metallic ores.

• Iron Ore: Major deposits in Barbil, Keonjhar, and Sundargarh.
• Bauxite: Found in Kalahandi, Koraput, and Rayagada.
• Chromite: Concentrated in the Sukinda Valley, the largest chromite reserve in India.
• Coal: Mined in Talcher and Ib Valley.
• Manganese: Produced in Keonjhar and Sundargarh districts.Odisha is the top producer of iron ore, chromite, and bauxite, making it a vital contributor to India’s metallurgical industries.

Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh ranks among the top mineral-rich states of India.

• Iron Ore: Found in Bailadila (Dantewada) and Dalli–Rajhara ranges.
• Coal: Produced from the Korba, Raigarh, and Surguja coalfields.
• Bauxite: Occurs in Mainpat and Bodai-Daldali.
• Limestone: Extensively found in Bilaspur, Raipur, and Durg.
• Tin Ore: Mined in Dantewada, making Chhattisgarh the only tin-producing state in India.The Bhilai Steel Plant and other industries depend heavily on the state’s mineral resources.

Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh, centrally located, has a wide range of minerals.

• Manganese: Found in Balaghat, the largest manganese-producing district.
• Copper: Extracted from the Malanjkhand mines, the biggest copper reserve in India.
• Bauxite: Found in Katni, Satna, and Jabalpur.
• Limestone: Mined in Rewa, Katni, and Satna.
• Coal: Produced in Singrauli and Umaria regions.
• Diamond: The Panna district is famous for its diamond mines at Majhgawan.

Karnataka

Karnataka is rich in both metallic and non-metallic minerals.

• Iron Ore: Found in Bellary, Hospet, and Sandur belts.
• Gold: The Hutti Gold Mine in Raichur is India’s only active gold mine.
• Manganese: Produced in Chitradurga and Shimoga.
• Bauxite: Found in Belgaum and Chikmagalur.
• Limestone: Mined in Gulbarga and Bijapur.Karnataka has historically been a major producer of gold and iron ore, supporting the state’s industrial economy.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the largest producer of non-metallic minerals in India.

• Limestone: Found in Jaisalmer, Nagaur, and Bundi.
• Marble: Makrana is famous for high-quality white marble used in historical monuments.
• Gypsum: Found in Bikaner and Jaisalmer.
• Zinc and Lead: Produced in Zawar and Rampura-Agucha mines.
• Copper: Mined in the Khetri Belt of Jhunjhunu.
• Phosphorite: Found in Udaipur and Jaisalmer.Rajasthan contributes significantly to India’s cement and ceramic industries.

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh possesses vast mineral reserves of both industrial and metallic types.

• Bauxite: Found in the Araku and Vishakhapatnam hills.
• Limestone: Mined extensively in Kadapa and Kurnool.
• Manganese: Produced in Vizianagaram and Srikakulam.
• Barytes: The Mangampet deposit is one of the world’s largest.
• Coal: Extracted from the Singareni coalfields.
• Gold: Occurs in the Ramagiri–Penakacherla belt.The state is a major centre for cement, alumina, and barytes production.

Goa

Goa, though geographically small, is well known for its high-grade iron ore deposits.

• Iron Ore: Found in Bicholim, Ponda, and Sonshi regions.
• Manganese: Found in Sanguem and Quepem.Iron ore exports once formed a significant part of Goa’s economy, although mining activities have been periodically suspended due to environmental concerns.

Gujarat

Gujarat is rich in industrial minerals and fossil fuels.

• Bauxite: Found in Jamnagar and Kutch.
• Limestone: Found in Amreli and Junagadh.
• Lignite: Found in Kutch, Bharuch, and Surat.
• Salt: Produced extensively in Kutch and Bhavnagar.
• Oil and Natural Gas: Extracted from Ankleshwar and offshore in the Gulf of Khambhat.Gujarat’s minerals support cement, petrochemical, and ceramic industries.

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has extensive deposits of industrial and atomic minerals.

• Limestone: Found in Tirunelveli and Ariyalur.
• Magnesite: Found in Salem.
• Granite: Quarried in Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri.
• Ilmenite and Monazite: Found in beach sands along Kanyakumari and Manavalakurichi.
• Lignite: Neyveli Lignite Field is India’s largest source of lignite.
• Thorium: Present in coastal sands, supporting India’s nuclear programme.

Maharashtra

Maharashtra’s mineral resources include both metallic and fuel minerals.

• Coal: Found in Chandrapur and Nagpur.
• Manganese: Found in Nagpur and Bhandara.
• Limestone: Found in Yavatmal and Chandrapur.
• Bauxite: Found in Kolhapur and Ratnagiri.
• Oil and Gas: Offshore Mumbai High fields are among India’s largest crude oil sources.Maharashtra’s energy and steel sectors rely heavily on its rich coal and oil reserves.

West Bengal

West Bengal is a major coal-producing state and also produces a variety of other minerals.

• Coal: The Raniganj coalfield is one of India’s oldest and most productive.
• Iron Ore: Found in Purulia and Bankura.
• China Clay and Dolomite: Found in Bankura and Birbhum.West Bengal’s coal reserves are vital for eastern India’s steel and power industries.

Kerala

Kerala’s mineral wealth lies mainly in its coastal sands.

• Ilmenite, Rutile, and Monazite: Found in Chavara and Neendakara.
• Bauxite: Found in Alappuzha and Kannur.
• Limestone: Found in Palakkad.Kerala’s beach sands are among the world’s richest sources of thorium and other heavy minerals.

Assam

Assam is a pioneer in India’s oil industry and also produces coal and limestone.

• Oil and Natural Gas: Found in Digboi, Duliajan, and Moran fields.
• Coal: Found in Makum and Ledo.
• Limestone: Found in North Cachar Hills.Assam’s Digboi refinery, established in 1901, is the oldest in Asia.

Other Mineral-Producing States

Economic and Strategic Importance

The mining sector contributes around 2.5% to India’s GDP and provides essential raw materials for multiple industries.

• Energy Security: Coal, oil, and uranium ensure steady power supply.
• Industrial Growth: Iron, limestone, and bauxite support steel, cement, and aluminium industries.
• Foreign Exchange: Iron ore, mica, and bauxite contribute significantly to exports.
• Employment: The mining industry provides livelihoods to millions across rural and tribal regions.

Environmental and Policy Framework

Mining in India is regulated by strict legal and environmental frameworks. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and subsequent amendments promote transparency, scientific exploration, and sustainable development. Environmental management includes afforestation, rehabilitation of mined areas, and waste control measures.