Minerals: Metallic & Non-Metallic

In Rajasthan Gegraphy, Rajasthan’s rich mineral resources, including metallic minerals like zinc and copper and non-metallic minerals like gypsum and marble, are vital to its economy. Found in regions like Udaipur and Bhilwara, these minerals drive industrial growth and development.

Previous Year Question

Mineral Profile of Rajasthan

• Rajasthan’s mineral resources are a crucial part of its economy and play an essential role in various industries, such as cement, chemicals, ceramics, and construction materials. The state’s strategic location and vast mineral deposits contribute significantly to India’s industrial growth and development.
• Rajasthan is called the museum of minerals because of high mineral diversity.
• 81 type minerals are available. Out of these, 58 minerals are being currently mined.
  • Metallic – 17 
  • Non-metallic – 39 
  • Fuel minerals- 3 
  • Minor minerals – 22 
• Rajasthan produces 22% of the total production of minerals in India [15% of metallic (low production,therefore not much contribution in state’s economy) and 25% of non-metallic-ranks 1st]
• Rajasthan is sole producer of
  • Lead & Zinc ores and concentrate
  • Selenite (Gypsum)
  • Wollastonite
• Rajasthan has Almost entire production of
  • Silver 
  • Calcite 
  • Gypsum
• Rajasthan is leading producer of
  • Ball Clay 
  • Phosphorite
  • Ochre
  • Steatite
  • Felspar
  • Fire Clay

Classification of minerals

Rajasthan Mineral Policy 2024

Objectives :-

• maximizing the economic benets of our mineral wealth
• attracting investments
• creating employment opportunities
• sustainable mining practices
• environmental conservation
• effective waste management
• equitable benefit-sharing with communities impacted by mining activities
• integrates advanced technologies to improve exploration, resource management, and mineral governance
• enhance transparency, build investor confidence, and drive industrial growth. 
• Skill Enhancement and Employment Generation 
• Mine Workers’ Welfare, Health & Safety
• Promoting Zero-Waste Mining 
• Moving towards Faceless Governance ; to make services more user-friendly, provide timely approvals and ensure ease of access to information; Maintain digital maps of mining leases and quarry licences on the DMG-OMS portal)

Targets:-

1. Expand existing 0.68% mineral concession area to 1.0% by 2029-30 and to 2.0% by 2046-47.
2. Expand the number of minerals under extraction from 58 to 70 by 2047. 
3. Auction 50 major mineral blocks with pre-embedded clearances by 2029–30 starting with 5 blocks in 2025–26. 
4. Provide employment to 50 Lakhs people by 2029-30 and over 1 Crore people (direct and indirect) by 2046-47.
5. Enhance the mineral sector’s contribution to the State’s GSDP from 3.4% in 2023-24 to 5.0% by 2029–30 and to 8.0% by 2046-47. 
6. Increase State’s revenue threefold by 2029-30 and to INR One Lakh Crores by 2046-47. 

7. Emphasis on exploration and auction of precious, strategic and critical minerals in coordination with the Central Government. 
8. Designate areas as “Land Bank” to assist applicants and concessionaires with forest land diversion, ensuring timely operationalisation of mineral concessions. 
9. Enhance ease of doing business by addressing regulatory and infrastructure challenges and reducing time for approval. 
10. Assist Central government to carve more Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) blocks for auctioning.

Entities & Organisations

• Rajasthan State Mineral Exploration Trust 
  • Reformation of the Mines and Geology department, mineral prospecting and exploration, departmental strengthening, technological innovation, technical consultancy, logistic support, business development.
• District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) 
  • District Mineral Foundation (DMF) is a trust set up as a non-profit body, in those districts affected by the mining works, to work for the interest and benefit of persons and areas affected by mining related operations.
  • It is funded through the contributions from the holder of major or minor mineral concessions in the district as may be prescribed by the central or state government. 
  • It also provides supplementary assistance to such schemes run by the State Government for the development of people/areas affected by mining activities. 
• Rajasthan State Mines & Minerals Limited (RSMML)
  • Established on 30 October, 1974, under the provisions of Companies Act, 1956
  • With a view to scientifically explore/excavate minerals available in the state Intensive Mineral Survey & Prospecting Scheme (IPS)

Rajasthan M-Sand Policy 2024

• Manufactured Sand (M-Sand) presents a sustainable alternative to river sand (Bajri) Produced through the crushing of rocks, M-Sand offers high-quality material for construction while mitigating the environmental impacts on river ecosystems. 
•  It aims to drive both economic growth and environmental protection, generating local employment opportunities while preserving our State’s natural heritage

Objective:- 

• Minimize harm to river ecosystems by managing use of river sand judiciously and decreasing reliance on it. 
• Offer a simple and affordable substitute for river sand. 
• Increase existing M-sand production by 20% every year, targeting 30 million tonnes per annum by 2028-29. 
• Utilize the existing overburden in mining areas to promote sustainable and eco-friendly mining practices. 
• Promote recycling of the coarse and fine aggregates in construction and demolition waste of building/concrete structures in the State. 
• Promote M-Sand industry and simultaneously develop opportunities for employment at local level.

Features :-

• Minimum of 25% of the quantity of sand used in various construction works carried out by the State Government, Semi-Government, Local Bodies, Panchayati Raj Institutions, and other organizations financed by the State Government will have to be M-Sand. It will be increased to 50% by 2028-29.
• Under Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme, 2024 following incentives will be applicable –
  • Investment Subsidy: 75% of State tax due and deposited for 10 years. 
  • Employment Generation Subsidy: Reimbursement of 50% of employer’s contribution towards EPF and ESI for 7 years (for domiciled employees only).
  • Stamp Duty Exemption: Exemption from payment of 75% stamp duty and reimbursement of 25% stamp duty.
  • Electricity Duty Exemption: 100% exemption of Electricity Duty for 7 years
  • Exemption from payment of 75% conversion charge and reimbursement of 25% conversion charge

• M-Sand units will operate in an environmentally responsible manner. The waste generated from the units such as muddy slurry, must be disposed of in a scientific and systematic manner. These materials can be repurposed for other value-added products, such as bricks, agriculture purpose or for other appropriate uses
• Water from urban sewerage treatment plant qualifying required wash water quality standards may be used for M-Sand production.

Rajasthan M-Sand Policy 2024

Mineral Rocks In Rajasthan

Sedimentary Rocks 

• Formed from pre-existing rocks or living organisms. Most of the non-metallic and energy minerals are found here (Petroleum, Natural Gas & Coal)

Dharwar Rocks –

• These are oldest Metamorphic sedimentary rocks (formed from Archean Rocks).  Abundance of metallic mineral reserves, maximum revenue generating rocks. (Minerals- Copper, Iron, Ore, Lead-Zinc, Silver )

Vindhya Rocks 

• Composed of building stones which are mostly non fossiliferous (Ex- Kota stone, Sand stone, Red stone & Limestone )

Non-Metallic Minerals

1. Marble

• Makrana Marble is the most famous mineral rock from Rajasthan. It is known for its quality and is used extensively in sculpture and construction. Makrana, located in the Nagaur district, is one of the oldest marble-producing regions in India. The marble is highly regarded for its whiteness and durability and has been used in famous structures like the Taj Mahal.
• Other regions like Rajsamand and Udaipur also have significant marble deposits.

2. Limestone 

• Rajasthan has large deposits of limestone, a sedimentary rock
• Use :- in the production of cement, construction materials, and lime.Chemicals soda-ash, caustic-soda, bleaching powder, calcium carbide Fertilizer – Ammonium Nitrate 
• As flux in iron and steel, ferro-alloy and other metallurgical industries.
• Key areas where limestone is mined include:
  • Dungarpur (Sabla and Bharkundi )
  • Chittorgarh (Nimbahera, Parsoli)
  • Jodhpur (Bilara)
  • Nagaur (Mundwa & Gotan)
  • Udaipur ( Hariyav/Jaspura & Daroli )
  • Sirohi (Abu road)
  • Ajmer (Sheopura, lulwa & Kesarpura)
  • Bhilwara (Mandalgarh & Menal)
  • Bundi (lakheri and Stur)
  •  Jaisalmer (Khuiala and Bandha)
• The limestone found in these areas is of high quality and is primarily used in cement production.

 3. Sandstone

• Rajasthan is known for its high-quality sandstone, which is used in construction, flooring, and decorative work. Jodhpur, Bhilwara, and Nagaur districts are famous for producing sandstone, often in different colors like red, pink, yellow, and white. These sandstones are highly durable and are widely used for monuments and temples.

4. Granite

• Granite is an igneous rock found in large quantities in Rajasthan. Jalore, Nagaur, and Udaipur are major granite-producing areas. The granite from Rajasthan is known for its high quality and is widely used in the construction industry, especially for flooring and countertops.

5. Slate

• Rajasthan is also known for slate, a fine-grained metamorphic rock used in flooring, roofing, and for making blackboards. The Bhilwara region is particularly famous for its slate production.

6. Feldspar

• Feldspar, although more of a mineral, is a key component of certain types of rocks like granite. Rajasthan has large deposits of feldspar, especially in Ajmer (Tatarpur and Khairthal), Udaipur, Jaipur, Sikar and Alwar regions. 
• Used in the manufacture of ceramics, glass and porcelain.

7. Phyllite and Schist

• Phyllite and schist are types of metamorphic rocks found in Rajasthan, especially in the Aravalli range. These rocks are used in some construction and decorative applications due to their texture and appearance.

8. Soapstone

• Soapstone, a type of talc-rich metamorphic rock, is found in the Kota and Bundi districts. It is soft and is used in carving, as well as in the production of heat-resistant materials.

9. Quartzite

• Quartzite is a hard, metamorphic rock that is widely distributed in Rajasthan. Ajmer, Bhilwara, and Chittorgarh have significant quartzite deposits. Quartzite is used in construction, especially for making crushed stone and aggregates.

10. Dolomite

• Dolomite, a sedimentary rock rich in calcium magnesium carbonate, is found in parts of Udaipur and Chittorgarh. It is used in the production of lime and as a building stone.

11. Bentonite Rock

• Rajasthan also has deposits of bentonite rock, particularly in Barmer and Jaisalmer. Bentonite is a type of clay rock used in drilling fluids, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

12. Graphite

• Graphite,also called as Black Lead, a crystalline form of carbon, is found in some regions of Rajasthan (Rajasthan Contributes only 1% in India’s production). Bhilwara and Rajsamand have notable deposits of graphite.
• Used in lubricants, batteries, pencils and electric furnace making.

13. Gypsum 

• Rajasthan contributes for 90% of total production in India
• Deposits of Gypsum in Rajasthan:
  • Jaisalmer: Sri Mohangarh
  • Barmer: Utarlai & Kavas, Chittar-Ka-Par and Thob
  • Ganganagar: Siramsar, Mahala, Pallu,
  • Nagaur: Bhadwasi, Dhakoria, Kharat, Mandava,
  • Bikaner: Jamsar (largest deposit in State)
  • Churu
  • Pali
• Used in making: Portland Cement, Plaster of Paris, Paints and Fertilizers.

Metallic Minerals

Rajasthan is one of India’s richest states in terms of mineral resources, particularly metallic minerals. The state contributes significantly to India’s mineral production, with some minerals having global significance. These minerals contribute significantly to the state’s GDP and provide employment opportunities, minerals like tungsten, copper, and zinc are crucial for industrial and defense sectors.

1. Zinc and Lead

• Major Deposits:
  • Zawar Mines (Udaipur district)
  • Rampura-Agucha Mines (Bhilwara district) – the largest zinc-lead deposit in India.
  • Rajpura-Dariba and Sindesar Khurd Mines (Rajsamand district) (High Silver Content)
  • Sawar and Kayar-Ghugra (Ajmer district)
  • Basantgarh and Deri (Sirohi district)

• Production: Rajasthan accounts for over 90% of India’s zinc production and a significant share of lead. Ranking First in country’s production.
• Uses:
  • Zinc: Galvanization, alloys, die-casting.
  • Lead: Batteries, radiation shielding (Shielding from X-ray in laboratories),  alloys, Fishing Sinkers, Roofing, in electronics its use as soldering agent 
• Organizations Involved: Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) is a major producer (Smelters in Chanderia, Dariba & Debari)
• Remember Lead-pencil does not have lead. (UPSC Prelims)

2. Copper

• Copper Ore: Cuprite, Chalcopyrite
• Major Deposits:
  • Khetri Copper Belt (Jhunjhunu district)
  • Kolihan and Banwas Mines (Jhunjhunu district)
  • Bhilwara – Devpura-Banera
  • Sirohi – Basantgarh
  • Alwar – Kho-Dariba
  • Udaipur-Anjani, Bedawal, Chari-Manpura
  • Kho-Dariba (Alwar district)
• Production: Rajasthan is the second-largest producer of copper in India after Madhya Pradesh.
• Uses: Electrical cables, alloys, construction, electronics. 
  • Copper + Tin = Bronze (Statute, Indus Valley, Mohenjaodaro dancing girl)Copper+ zinc Brass (More hard)
  • Stainless Steel: Iron Nickel + Copper + Chromite +..
  • Morel Metal: Copper + Nickel
  • Duralumin: Copper + Aluminium
• Organizations Involved: Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) operates major mines in the Khetri region.
• Copper metallurgy has been mentioned in Arthashastra & Ain-i-Akbari.

3. Iron Ore

• Ore: Found in Dharwad and Cuddapah rock systems of peninsular India.
• Ore Quality-wise ranking: Haematite, > Magnetite, >Limonite & > Siderite
• Major Deposits:
  • Bhilwara district: The Bhilwara Belt has rich deposits of magnetite and hematite iron ore.
  • Jaipur – Morija-banol – Neemla-Raisalo
  • Chittorgarh district – Pur banera belt
  • Udaipur – Natha ki Pal, Thur Hunder
  • Sikar – Dabla
  • Dausa –Lalsot
• Quality: High-grade magnetite and hematite are found.
• Uses: Steel production, construction, machinery.
• Production Status: Still developing compared to states like Odisha and Jharkhand.

4. Tungsten

• Ore: wolframite & scheelite.
• Major Deposits:
  • Degana Mines (Nagaur district) – one of the only tungsten-producing regions in India.
  • Balda,Uduwaria (Sirohi district)
  • Ajmer- Pali – Alniawas-Sewariya, Pipaliya, Motyia
• Production Status-  Rajasthan ranks FIRST in Tungsten Production in India.
• Uses: Defense equipment, bulb filaments, tools, and hard alloys (Hard-Steel alloys- machine tools, high speed cutting tools, special steel for defense purposes)
• Significance: Rajasthan holds a strategic position as tungsten is a critical mineral with defense and industrial applications.

5. Silver

• Major Deposits:
  • Found as a by-product in lead-zinc ores, particularly in Zawar and Rajpura-Dariba Mines.
• Production: Rajasthan contributes significantly to India’s silver production.
• Uses: Jewelry, coins, industrial applications, solar panels.

6. Gold

• Rajasthan holds 25% of India’s total gold reserves, making it the second-largest after Bihar.
• Major Gold Reserves:
  • Banswara District: Potential gold reserves.
  • Dungarpur and Bhilwara Districts: Gold-bearing quartz veins.
  • Current Status: Exploration activities are ongoing.
• Gold Mining Developments:
  • Rajasthan has become the fourth state in India to mine gold, after Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Jharkhand.
  • The largest gold reserve in India, estimated at 1,000 tonnes, has been discovered in the tribal regions of Rajasthan.
  • The mining department is auctioning these blocks for commercial mining.
  • In Banswara, after identifying 222.39 tonnes of gold over 9.4 sq. km, the first small Jagpura-Bhukia gold mine has been auctioned.
  • Additionally, a 1,270 sq. km area from Dugocha in Salumber to Ghatol is under intensive planning for gold mining.

18 Gold Blocks Identified in 4 Districts

District	No. of Blocks	Major Locations
Banswara	12	Jagpura, Bhukia, Delwara, Panch-Mahuri
Udaipur	4	Dagocha
Dausa	1	Dhani Baseri
Dungarpur	1	Bharkundi

7. Manganese

• Ore: Pyrolusite
• Major Deposits: very less deposits found in state
  • Banswara district
  • Chittorgarh district
• Uses: Steel production, batteries, chemicals.Manufacturing of bleaching powder, insecticides, paints, etc.
• Production: Limited but strategically important.

8. Silver-Cadmium

• Associated Minerals: Found alongside lead-zinc ores in Zawar and other lead-zinc mining areas.
• Uses: Alloys, batteries, and specialized industrial applications.

9. Nickel:

• Found in ultramafic rocks near Jaipur and Alwar.
• Used in stainless steel and battery manufacturing.

10. Chromite:

• Found in small quantities in the Dungarpur district.
• Used in making ferrochrome for stainless steel.

Atomic / Atomic Energy Minerals

1. Uranium

• Uranium is the most important atomic energy mineral used as fuel in nuclear reactors. Rajasthan is known to have significant uranium reserves, which play a vital role in India’s nuclear energy production.
• Major Uranium Deposits:
  • Udaipur, Sikar and Baran.
• Mahi Bajaj Sagar area (Kishanganj in Udaipur district) and surrounding regions in Sirohi and Dungarpur are significant uranium-bearing areas in Rajasthan.
• Production Areas-
  • Udaipur –  Umra 
  • Sikar –  Khandela hill, Rohilla region 
  • Baran –  Ramgarh
• The Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS), located at Rawatbhata is Uranium operated.
• Uranium is mainly found in the form of pitchblende (also called uraninite) and autunite

2. Thorium

• In India’s pursuit of a thorium-based nuclear program, Thorium is another key mineral that has a potential role in nuclear power generation
•  While thorium is not as widely used as uranium, it has been considered as an alternative nuclear fuel due to its abundance and potential for use in advanced nuclear reactors.
• Major Thorium Deposits- 
  • Pali and Bhilwara. 
• Production Area – 
  • Pali –  Bhadravan 
  • Bhilwara –  Sardarpura  

Energy Minerals

a. Petroleum       b. Natural Gas              c. Coal 

1. Petroleum

• Petroleum reserves are found in 4 basins in Rajasthan.  Petroleum Basin :- 
  1. Barmer – Sanchore Basin 
     • Extension- Barmer, Sanchore and Jalore. 
     • It has the largest reserves of petroleum. 
     • Maximum petroleum production is received from this basin.  
  2. Rajasthan Shelf 
     • Extension- Jaisalmer.  
  3. Bikaner-Nagaur Basin
     • Extension- Bikaner, Nagaur, Ganganagar, Hanumangarh and Churu.
  4. Vindhya Basin
     • Extension- Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar, Chittorgarh and Bhilwara.
• Petroleum Production Area 
  • Barmer-
    • Mangala (Jogsar Village) – Nagana (First petroleum well of Rajasthan)
    • Raageshwari – Gudha Malani
    • Saraswati – Koslu
    • Aishwarya – Baytu
    • Bhagyam 
    • Vijaya 
    • Shakti 
    • Kameshwari  
  • Jaisalmer-
    • Baghewala 
    • Sadhewala 
    • Tanot 
    • Chinewala 
  • Bikaner-
    • Tuvariwala 
    • Poonam Field- discovered by OIL (Oil India   Limited), located in Bikaner – Nagaur basin.  Its production capacity is – 30000 barrels/day. 

• Highest production of petroleum in the country  Bombay High (Offshore Area) – 40-45% production.
  • Second- Rajasthan – 22-23% production (with petroleum production capacity of 1.60 lakh – 1.70 lakh barrels/day.)  

2. Natural Gas

• Natural gas is a fossil fuel composed primarily of methane (CH₄), along with small amounts of other hydrocarbons like ethane, propane, and butane. 
• It is found deep beneath the Earth’s surface, often in association with oil deposits or coal beds. Natural gas is a versatile energy source and is used in various industries and applications,viz-Electricity Generation, Heating, Transportation, Industrial Use (chemicals, fertilizers and plastics)
• Maximum storage and production- Barmer.
• Production Areas-
  • Jaisalmer
    • Dandewala  
    • Gumanewala  
    • Ramgarh  
    • Tanot  
    • Manihari  
    • Tiba  
    • Ghotaru 
• Barmer –  
  • Gudamalani  
  • Raageshwari

HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL)

• It is a Refinery cum Petrochemical Complex
• Barmer refinery will be the “Jewel of the Desert” (रेगिस्तान का नगीना), bringing jobs, opportunities and joy to the people of Rajasthan
• The project will steer India to its vision of achieving 450 MMTPA refining capacity by 2030
• It will lead to social-economic benefits to the local people of Rajasthan
• Joint Venture company HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL) of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Government of Rajasthan (GOR) having a stake of 74% and 26% respectively (equity shares)
• The refinery complex will process 9 MMTPA of crude and produce more than 2.4 million tons of petrochemicals which will reduce import bill on account of petrochemicals thereby bringing self-reliance to India.
• This project will act as an anchor industry for industrial hub not only for the western Rajasthan but also will steer India to its vision of achieving 450 MMTPA refining capacity by 2030
• The total cost of the project is Rs. 72,937 crore*
• Refinery is capable of producing BS VI products.

Benefits:-

1. Employment generation (40,000 indirect jobs and 1000 direct jobs) and infrastructure development (roads, hospitals, schools etc.)
2. Environmental benefits ( a wetland habitat for migratory birds like Demoiselle crane is being developed in the complex itself;  rejuvenation of natural surface water bodies and complex is to be converted into green belt through plantation)
3. Boost to industrial development in the region (construction industry, mechanical fabrication shops, machining and assembly units,transportation and hospitality industry, automotive spares and services and sand blasting and painting shops.) Refinery will produce Butadiene, which is the raw material to manufacture Rubber (Tyre manufacturing), thereby boosting Automobile industry

3. Coal 

• India has maximum coal reserves of Gondwanaland period but in Rajasthan Tertiary Period coal is stored.
• Rajasthan ranks Third in Coal production (22%) after Tamil Nadu (first ) and Gujarat ( second)
• Types of coal according to carbon content:-

Industrial Uses of Lignite Coal

• Power Generation: The primary use of lignite in Rajasthan is for electricity generation in thermal power plants as :-
  • Barsingsar Lignite Power Plant and Giral Lignite Power Plant.
  • Kota Thermal Power Station and Suratgarh Super Thermal Power Plant (Partly lignite-based)
• Cement Industry: due to its ability to produce the high temperatures needed for the calcination process in cement kilns.
• Brick Manufacturing, Ceramic Industry  → for firing kilns.
• Coal Production Areas
  • Barmer–
    • Kapurdi  Jalipa  
    • Giral  
    • Bhadres
  • Bikaner–  
    • Beethnok  
    • Barsingsar  
    • Palana( lignite is produced)
    • Gudha
  • Nagaur –
    • Merta City  
    • Igyar  
    • Mata-Sukh  
    • Kasnau  

Minerals: Metallic & Non-Metallic / Minerals: Metallic & Non-Metallic / Minerals: Metallic & Non-Metallic / Minerals: Metallic & Non-Metallic / Minerals: Metallic & Non-Metallic / Minerals: Metallic & Non-Metallic / Minerals: Metallic & Non-Metallic / Minerals: Metallic & Non-Metallic / Minerals: Metallic & Non-Metallic / Minerals: Metallic & Non-Metallic / Minerals: Metallic & Non-Metallic / Minerals: Metallic & Non-Metallic / Minerals: Metallic & Non-Metallic