Mining in India

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Mining in India

Mining in India is an important economic activity which contributes significantly to the economy of India. The mining industry in India is a major economic activity which contributes significantly to the economy of India. The GDP contribution of the mining industry varies from 2.2% to 2.5% only but going by the GDP of the total industrial sector it contributes around 10% to 11%. Even mining done on a small scale contributes 6% to the entire cost of mineral production.

History

Mining in India has a long history dating back to 1774 when an English company was granted permission by the East India Company to mine coal in Raniganj. The introduction of modern mining methods and technology in India began with the establishment of the Geological Survey of India in 1851.

Minerals and Resources

India is rich in various mineral resources. The country produces around 95 minerals, which include four fuel-related minerals, ten metallic minerals, fifty non-metallic minerals, and twenty-six minor minerals. Some of the major minerals mined in India include coal, iron ore, manganese, mica, bauxite, chromite, limestone, and uranium.

Coal

Coal mining in India started in the 1770s in Raniganj Coalfield. India is the third-largest producer of coal in the world. The major coal-producing states in India are Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra.

Iron Ore

Iron ore mining in India is predominantly concentrated in the states of Odisha, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Goa, and Jharkhand. India is one of the largest producers and exporters of iron ore in the world.

Manganese

Manganese is another important mineral resource in India. The major manganese-producing states are Odisha, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Goa.

Mica

Mica mining in India is mainly concentrated in the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh. India is one of the largest producers of mica in the world.

Bauxite

Bauxite is the primary ore of aluminum. The major bauxite-producing states in India are Odisha, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh.

Chromite

Chromite mining in India is mainly concentrated in the state of Odisha. India is one of the largest producers of chromite in the world.

Limestone

Limestone is an important mineral used in the cement industry. The major limestone-producing states in India are Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu.

Uranium

Uranium mining in India is carried out by the Uranium Corporation of India. The major uranium-producing areas are in the states of Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Meghalaya.

Regulation and Legislation

The mining industry in India is regulated by the Ministry of Mines (India). The primary legislation governing mining activities in India is the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The act provides the framework for the regulation of mines and the development of minerals in India.

Environmental Impact

Mining activities in India have significant environmental impacts. These include deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. The government has implemented various measures to mitigate the environmental impact of mining, including the establishment of the National Green Tribunal and the implementation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.

See Also

• Geology of India
• Economy of India
• Coal mining in India
• Iron ore in India
• Ministry of Mines (India)
• Environmental issues in India