Geography

Metallic Minerals

Contain metal in raw form.

• Ferrous (contain iron): Iron ore, manganese, chromite
• Non-ferrous (no iron): Copper, bauxite, gold, lead, zinc

Non-Metallic Minerals

No metallic content.

Organic Origin: Fossil fuels (coal, petroleum)

Inorganic origin: Mica, limestone, graphite, gypsum.

1. Iron Ore

Types & Uses:

• Magnetite (Fe₃O₄): 72% Fe — used in electronics.
• Hematite (Fe₂O₃): 60–70% Fe — used for steel production.
• Limonite (FeO(OH)·nH₂O): 40–60% Fe — used as a pigment.
• Siderite (FeCO₃): 40–50% Fe — sometimes associated with manganese.

2. Manganese

Uses:

• Steel-making (10 kg Mn = 1 tonne steel)
• Ferro-manganese
• Insecticides, bleaching powder, paints

Geological Distribution: Mostly with Dharwar System.

3. Chromite

• Composition: Oxide of iron & chromium
• Uses: Chrome plating, metallurgy, alloys, chemical industries
• Reserves: 203 MT — 93% in Odisha (Sukinda Valley, Cuttack, Jajpur)
• India's Share: Odisha produces 99% of India’s chromite

1. Copper

• Properties: Malleable, ductile, excellent conductor
• Uses: Cables, electronics, alloys, jewellery
• Copper-Rich Regions:
  • Jharkhand: Raka, Mosabani
  • Andhra Pradesh: Kurnool, Guntur, Nellore
  • Himachal Pradesh: Kangra, Kullu
  • West Bengal: Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling
• Global Producers: Chile, USA, Peru, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan

2. Bauxite

• Formation: From decomposition of aluminium-rich rocks
• Aluminium Properties: Lightweight, malleable, strong, good conductor
• Deposits: Associated with laterite; mainly tertiary
• Top States:
  • Odisha (largest) — Kalahandi, Sambalpur
  • Jharkhand — Lohardaga
  • Gujarat — Khed, Amreli, Jamnagar
  • Madhya Pradesh — Amarkantak plateau
  • Maharashtra — Kolaba, Ratnagiri, Satara
• Global Reserves: Australia, Guinea, Jamaica, Brazil, USA

3. Lead & Zinc

• Ores: Galena (PbS), Sphalerite (ZnS)
• Uses: Batteries, paints, rubber, alloys, galvanisation
• India: Rajasthan (61%) — Zawar mines; also AP, MP, Bihar
• Global: USA, Australia, Canada, Peru, Mexico

4. Gold

• Uses: Jewellery, electronics, dentistry
• India:
  • Karnataka — Kolar (historic), Hutti
  • AP — Ramgiri
  • Bihar — Jamui
  • Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, MP, TN
• Global: South Africa, Ghana, Canada, Zimbabwe, USA

1. Mica

• Properties: Silicate-based; splits into thin sheets
• Uses: Electric insulator
• India: Largest global producer
• Distribution: Jharkhand (Kodarma), Andhra (Nellore), Rajasthan, Karnataka

2. Limestone

• Composition: CaCO₃ or CaMg(CO₃)₂
• Uses: Cement (75%), iron & steel (16%), chemicals
• Major States: MP, Rajasthan, AP, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, TN
• Global: China, USA, Russia, Brazil

3. Gypsum

• Type: Hydrated calcium sulphate (CaSO₄·2H₂O)
• Uses: Fertiliser, cement, POP, tiles, agriculture
• India: Rajasthan (99%) — Jodhpur, Nagaur, Bikaner
• Global: China, USA, Iran, Spain

4. Diamond

• India: MP (Panna), AP (Wajrakarur), Karnataka (Raichur)
• Cutting hubs: Surat, Mumbai, Jaipur
• Global: Russia, Botswana, Congo, Australia

5. Asbestos

• Nature: Fibrous silicate; fire-resistant
• Uses: Fireproofing, brake linings, roofing
• Health Concern: Usage declining due to cancer risk
• India: Rajasthan, AP, Karnataka
• Global: Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Canada

6. Salt in India

• Sources: Sea water, salt lakes, brine springs, rock salt
• Production:
  • Sea water — Gujarat (50%), Maharashtra, TN
  • Salt lakes — Sambhar Lake (10%)
  • Rock salt — Mandi (HP)