Top 5 Largest Mineral Producing States in India

India is rich with many resources of metallic and non-metallic minerals. These minerals are crucial for the economic growth of the country. The minerals are used in various industries that contribute to our economy such as construction, manufacturing and energy. Mining of these minerals plays a vital role in the development of the country’s infrastructure, and industries and in creating jobs.  Now several Indian states stand out as leaders in mineral production, with rich deposits of coal, iron ore, bauxite, limestone, and more. Here’s a look at the top 5 largest mineral-producing states in India:

1. Odisha

Odisha tops the list of highest minerals-producing states in India. The state contributes to nearly 46 per cent of Indian mineral production. Rich in a variety of minerals, the state is particularly renowned for its abundant reserves of iron ore, bauxite, coal, and chromite. The mining sector contributes significantly to Odisha’s economy, especially in districts like Sundargarh, Keonjhar, and Jajpur. Odisha produces over half of India’s iron ore, making it the largest iron ore producer in the country. Apart from this, Odisha is also a leading producer of chromite, which is used in the production of stainless steel.

2. Chhattisgarh

Yet another state that is the largest mineral producer in India is Chhattisgarh. The state accounts for 14 per cent of total mineral production in India. Chhattisgarh is the highest coal producing state in India. Large deposits of coal can be found in Korba, Surguja, and Raigarh region of the state. The state’s mining sector is integral to the nation’s power generation and infrastructure development. Apart from this, the state is also the largest producer of iron ore and limestone. Iron ore production in the state is essential for steel plants across India. Also, the limestone produced in the state widely used raw material in the cement industry.

3. Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh also tops the list of highest mineral-producing states in India. The state high ranks in the production of diamond, copper and limestone. Madhya Pradesh’s mineral wealth helps support both industrial as well as artisanal mining activities. Like Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh is a key player in limestone production, with major reserves in Katni and Satna, which support the cement industry.  The state is also a major producer of copper, with deposits mainly in the Malanjkhand area, which is used in the electric industry.

4. Rajasthan

Rajasthan is well-known for a wide variety of mineral resources in the country. The state is the largest producer of limestone, marble, gypsum and lead zinc.  The state’s desert landscape holds a treasure trove of mineral wealth, supporting industries such as construction, ceramics, and metals. The large-scale availability of marble and limestone in the state makes it a centre for the cement and construction industry. Rajasthan also leads in gypsum production, crucial for the fertilizer and construction sector. The state is the sole producer of zinc concentrate and lead concentrate in India.

5. Jharkhand

The last state on our list of highest mineral-producing states in India is Jharkhand. Jharkhand is another major player in India’s mining sector, endowed with rich deposits of coal, iron ore, and copper. The state’s mineral wealth is critical to various industries, particularly steel and power generation. Jharkhand is one of the largest coal-producing states in India, home to some of the country’s biggest coal mines in Dhanbad, Bokaro, and Giridih. It plays a key role in fueling the thermal power industry. The rich mineral deposits of the state have also helped with the economy of the state by opening up employment opportunities to a large number of people.

Conclusion

India’s top five mineral-producing states play an important role in the country’s industrial sector and economic landscape. Odisha leads the list of highest mineral-producing states in India by contributing to nearly half of the country’s total output. The large amount of minerals produced in the state has contributed to the development of various other industries like cement, electric, non-ferrous metal, steel and aluminium sectors. Together, the contribution of these states drives India’s mineral production and supports infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy needs, contributing substantially to the nation’s GDP.