Natural resources of India#Abiotic resources

{{Main article|Coal mining in India}}

File:Coal mine in Dhanbad, India.jpg district of Jharkhand state]]

Coal mining in India started in 1774 through the East India Company in the Raniganj Coalfield, which is along the western bank of the Damodar River in the Indian state of West Bengal. Growth of Indian coal mining started when steam locomotives were introduced in 1853. Production increased to million tonnes. Production reached 30 million tonnes in 1946. After Independence, the National Coal Development Corporation was set up and colleries were owned by the railways. India consumes coal mainly for the power sector. Other industries like cement, fertilizer, chemical and paper rely on coal for energy.{{cite web|url=http://www.coal.nic.in/abtcoal.htm|title=Coal Mining in India: The Past|publisher=Ministry of Coal, Indian Government|access-date=22 August 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831225354/http://www.coal.nic.in/abtcoal.htm|archive-date=31 August 2013}}

{{main|Oil and gas industry in India}}

India had about 100 million tonnes of proven oil reserves as of April 1978, or 1 billion barrels as per EIA estimate for 2020,{{cite web|title=Country Analysis Brief Overview - India|url=http://www.eia.gov/countries/country-data.cfm?fips=IN|publisher=U.S. Energy Information Administration|access-date=22 August 2013}} which is the second-largest amount in the Asia-Pacific region behind China.{{cite web|url=http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/India/Oil.html|title=Energy Information Administration (EIA)|publisher=Statistical agency of the U.S. Department of Energy|access-date=2007-10-23|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071018085903/http://eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/India/Oil.html|archive-date=18 October 2007}} Most of India's crude oil reserves are located on the western coast (Mumbai High) and in the southeastern parts of the country, although considerable undeveloped reserves are also located in the offshore Bay of Bengal and in the state of Rajasthan. The combination of rising oil consumption and fairly unwavering production levels leaves India highly dependent on imports to meet its consumption needs. In 2010, India produced an average of about 33.69 million tonnes of crude oil as of April 2010{{cite web|title=Basic Statistics on Indian Petroleum & Natural Gas|url=http://petroleum.nic.in/petstat.pdf|date=2011–2012|publisher=Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Indian Government|access-date=22 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130416073251/http://petroleum.nic.in/petstat.pdf|archive-date=16 April 2013|url-status=dead}} or 877 thousand barrels per day as per EIA estimate of 2009. During 2006, India consumed an estimated {{convert|2.63|Moilbbl/d|m3/d|abbr=on}} of oil.{{cite web |url=http://www.eia.gov/cfapps/ipdbproject/iedindex3.cfm|title=International Petroleum Monthly 2005-2006|publisher=U.S. Department of Energy|access-date=2 July 2013}} The EIA estimates that India registered oil demand growth of {{convert|100000|oilbbl/d|m3/d|abbr=on}} during 2006. As of 2013 India Produces 30% of India's resources mostly in Rajasthan.

India's state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is the largest oil company in India. ONGC is the leading sport in India's downstream sector, accounting for roughly three-fourths of the country's oil output during 2006, as per Indian government estimates. As a net importer of all oil, the Indian Government has introduced policies aimed at growing domestic oil production and oil exploration activities. As part of the effort, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas crafted the New Exploration License Policy (NELP) in 2000, which permits foreign companies to hold 100% equity possession in oil and natural gas projects. However, to date, only a handful of oil fields are controlled by foreign firms. India's downstream sector is also dominated by state-owned entities, though private companies have enlarged their market share in past recent years.

File:ONGC Oil Platform.jpg]]

As per the Ministry of Petroleum, Government of India, India has {{convert|1437|e9m3|e12cuft}} of confirmed natural gas reserves as of April 2010. A huge mass of India's natural gas production comes from the western offshore regions, particularly the Mumbai High complex. The onshore fields in Assam, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Gujarat states are also major producers of natural gas. As per EIA data, India produced {{convert|996|e9cuft|m3}} of natural gas in 2004.

{{cite web|url=http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/India/NaturalGas.html|title=Energy Information Administration (EIA)|publisher=Statistical agency of the U.S. Department of Energy|access-date=2007-10-27|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071018085858/http://eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/India/NaturalGas.html|archive-date=18 October 2007}} India imports small amounts of natural gas. In 2004, India consumed about {{convert|1089|Gcuft|m3|abbr=on}} of natural gas, the first year in which the country showed net natural gas imports. During 2004, India imported {{convert|93|Gcuft|m3|abbr=on}} of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar.

As in the oil sector, India's state-owned companies account for the bulk of natural gas production. ONGC and Oil India Limited. are the leading companies with respect to production volume, while some foreign companies take part in upstream developments in joint-ventures and production sharing contracts. Reliance Industries, a privately owned Indian company, also has a role in the natural gas sector as a result of a large natural gas find in 2002 in the Krishna Godavari basin.

The Gas Authority of India Ltd. (GAIL) holds an effective control on natural gas transmission and allocation activities. In December 2006, the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued a new policy that allows foreign investors, private domestic companies, and Government oil companies to hold up to 100% equity stakes in pipeline projects. While GAIL's domination in natural gas transmission and allocation is not ensured by statute, it will continue to be the leading player in the sector because of its existing natural gas infrastructure.

India's proven nuclear reserves include uranium and thorium.

In Nalgonda District, the Rajiv Gandhi Tiger Reserve (the only tiger project in Telangana) has been forced to surrender over 3,000 sq. kilometres to uranium mining, following a directive from the Central Ministry of Environment and Forests.{{cite web

|url = http://www.wildlifewatch.in/news/1004

|title = Tiger reserve in Andhra made to shrink legally

|date = 7 January 2008

|publisher = Wildlifewatch.in

|access-date = 2008-05-22

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|archive-date = 10 February 2008}}

In 2007, India was able to extract 229 tonnes of U₃O₈ from its soil.[http://ec.europa.eu/euratom/ar/last.pdf 2007 Annual report of the Euratom Supply Agency]

On 19 July 2011, Indian officials announced that the Tumalapalli mine in the Andhra Pradesh state of India could provide more than 170,000 tonnes of uranium, making it the world's largest uranium mine. Production of the ore is slated to begin in 2012.{{cite web

| url= https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jADv2cDnhH_pZW5A4GXfXNK6V-YQ?docId=CNG.7e4a598f9713cc3df378c520326d27b1.531

| archive-url= https://archive.today/20130125030955/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jADv2cDnhH_pZW5A4GXfXNK6V-YQ?docId=CNG.7e4a598f9713cc3df378c520326d27b1.531

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| title = India reveals 'world's biggest' uranium discovery

| date = 19 July 2011 | agency= Agence France-Presse}}

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) recently discovered that the upcoming mine in Tumalapalli has close to 49,000 tonnes of uranium reserves. This could help India's nuclear power aspirations as it is three times the original estimate of the area's deposits.url: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-14196372, title:India: 'Massive' uranium find in Andhra Pradesh, Source: BBC

The IAEA's 2005 report estimates India's reasonably assured reserves of thorium at 319,000 tonnes, but mentions recent reports of India's reserves at 650,000 tonnes.{{cite book|url=http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/TE_1450_web.pdf|title=IAEA: Thorium fuel cycle – Potential benefits and challenges|page=45}} A government of India estimate, shared in the country's Parliament in August 2011, puts the recoverable reserve at 846,477 tonnes.{{cite news|title=Availability of Thorium |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=74293|publisher=Press Information Bureau, Government of India|access-date=27 March 2012|date=10 August 2011}} The Indian Minister of State V. Narayanasamy stated that as of May 2013, the country's thorium reserves were 11.93 million tonnes (monazite, having 9-10% ThO₂{{cite web |url=http://www.dae.nic.in/writereaddata/rsus3721.pdf |title=DETAILS OF THORIUM RESERVES |date=10 May 2012 |website=Department of Atomic Energy (India) |access-date=12 December 2013}}), with a significant majority (8.59 Mt; 72%) found in the three eastern coastal states of Andhra Pradesh (3.72 Mt; 31%), Tamil Nadu (2.46 Mt; 21%) and Odisha (2.41 Mt; 20%).{{cite news |title=Over 1.25 MT thorium reserve found in 3 years |agency=Press Trust of India|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/over-1-25-mt-thorium-reserve-found-in-3-years-113081400960_1.html |newspaper=Business Standard|date=14 August 2013 |access-date=22 August 2013}} Both the IAEA and OECD appear to conclude that India may possess the largest share of world's thorium deposits.

Biotic resources are obtained from living and organic material. These include forest products, wildlife, crops and other living organisms. Most of these resources are renewable because they can be regenerated by themselves. Fossil fuels are considered as biotic because they are formed from decayed organic matter. Fossil fuels are non-renewable.{{cite web |title=Our resources |url=http://www.nios.ac.in/media/documents/316courseE/ch19.pdf |access-date=1 August 2013 |publisher=NIOS, Ministry of Human Resource Development}}

{{Main article|Demographics of India}}

India is the world's most populated country, having surpassed China in 2023.{{Cite web |last1=Hertog |first1=Sara |last2=Gerland |first2=Patrick |last3=Wilmoth |first3=John |date=24 April 2023 |title=UN DESA Policy Brief No. 153: India overtakes China as the world's most populous country {{!}} Department of Economic and Social Affairs |url=https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/publication/un-desa-policy-brief-no-153-india-overtakes-china-as-the-worlds-most-populous-country/#:~:text=In%20April%202023,%20India%27s%20population,to%20grow%20for%20several%20decades. |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=United Nations}}{{Cite news |last=Ellis-Petersen |first=Hannah |date=2023-04-24 |title=India overtakes China to become world's most populous country |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/24/india-overtakes-china-to-become-worlds-most-populous-country |access-date=2023-04-29 |issn=0261-3077}} Although population growth in India has slowed, the country's population is expected to grow and hit a peak of 1.7 billion people by 2064. India's replacement level fertility rate is 2, as of 2023. Replacement levels in the country's larger states range from 1.6 for Punjab and West Bengal, and 3 for Bihar. India's replacement level fertility rate is 2, as of 2023.{{Cite news |last=IANS |date=2023-04-20 |title='Big news' is India's population growth is below replacement level: UN expert |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/big-news-is-indias-population-growth-is-below-replacement-level-un-expert/articleshow/99629102.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-05-02 |issn=0013-0389}} As of 2023, the average age of India's population is 28.2 years.{{Cite web |last=Jha |first=Abhishek |date=2023-04-20 |title=World population data: Average Indian 10 years younger than Chinese |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indias-median-age-is-10-years-younger-than-china-s-says-unfpa-report-asia-s-median-age-is-31-9-years-youngest-continent-is-africa-at-18-8-years-101681931441033.html |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}

India being the world's most populated country has been stated to be an asset for the country.{{Cite magazine |last=Rajvanshi |first=Astha |date=2023-01-20 |title=How India's Record-Breaking Population Will Shape the World |url=https://time.com/6248790/india-population-data-china/ |access-date=2023-05-02 |magazine=Time |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Patranobis |first=Sutirtho |date=2023-04-12 |title=Population trends on Chinese social media as India to become most populous |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/india-set-to-surpass-china-as-world-s-most-populous-country-this-month-says-un-report-101681301218646.html |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Vohra |first=Anchal |date=28 April 2023 |title=Population Control Is Back in India |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/04/28/population-control-is-back-in-india/ |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US}} Being the most populated country in the world could further reinforce India's claim for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council.{{Cite web |last=Biswas |first=Atanu |date=2023-04-26 |title=India's population growth: Boon or bane? |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/indias-population-growth-boon-or-bane/article66782272.ece |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=The Hindu Business Line |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=PTI |date=12 July 2022 |title=India becoming world's most populous country may strengthen its claim for permanent UNSC membership: UN official |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/india-becoming-worlds-most-populous-country-may-strengthen-its-claim-for-permanent-unsc-membership-un-official-411724 |access-date=3 May 2023 |website=The Tribune}} India's young and large population also has advantages for the country's economy. The country's working-age population is projected to reach 1 billion people by 2031.{{Cite web |last1=Dotto |first1=Carlotta |last2=Mogul |first2=Rhea |date=2023-04-28 |title=How India's population exploded to overtake China's and what's next |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/28/asia/india-population-overtakes-china-graphics-intl-hnk-dst-dg/index.html |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=CNN |language=en}} India's working-age population growth is accounting for 23% of the world's working-age population growth between 2020 and 2025. India's large labour force is young, lower paid, English speaking, digitally learned and entrepreneurial, making the country an especially appealing destination for Western corporations that are looking to diversify their manufacturing centres from China.

{{Main article|Forestry in India}}

As of 2020, India had the 10th largest forest cover in the world.{{Cite web |last=Shahbandeh |first=M |date=2022 |title=Ten countries with most forest area 2020 |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/238893/ten-countries-with-most-forest-area/ |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=Statista |language=en}} From 2010 to 2020, India was the country with the 3rd largest maximum average annual net gains in forest area and accounted for 2% of the world's total forest area.{{Cite web |last=Mahapatra |first=Richard |date=23 July 2020 |title=India among top 10 countries gaining forest area in the world: FAO |url=https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/forests/india-among-top-10-countries-gaining-forest-area-in-the-world-fao-72454 |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=Down To Earth |language=en}} In 2021, India's total forest cover was 80.9 million hectares, which is 24.62% of the country's land area. According to the India State of Forest Report of 2021, India's forest cover increased by 2,261 square kilometres from 2019 to 2021.{{Cite web |last=Yadav |first=Pooja |date=2023-03-12 |title=Explained: National Mission For A Green India |url=https://www.indiatimes.com/explainers/news/explained-national-mission-for-a-green-india-594843.html |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=Indiatimes |language=en-IN}} According to the same report, in 17 states and union territories, more than 33% of land was covered in forests. Madhya Pradesh is the state with the largest area of forest cover and Mizoram has the highest forest cover as a percentage of the total area of the state. The Indian Forest Service is responsible for conservation and biodiversity protection in India's forests.{{Cite web |last=ANI |date=2022-12-21 |title=President Murmu calls for sustainable management of forest resources |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/president-murmu-calls-for-sustainable-management-of-forest-resources-122122101306_1.html |access-date=2023-05-03 |website=Business Standard |language=en-US}} The country's forests are governed by the National Forest Policy,1988.{{Cite web |last=Aggarwal |first=Mayank |date=2020-01-13 |title=India's missing a clear forest policy and its jungle dwellers are the worst off |url=https://qz.com/india/1783965/indias-missing-forest-policy-is-hurting-tribals-the-most |access-date=2023-05-03 |website=Quartz |language=en}}

India has moist and dry tropical, temperate and subtropical montane, alpine and scrub forests.{{Cite web |last1=Kresek |first1=Kai |last2=Duraisami |first2=Marie |date=2020-07-02 |title=What's Happening In India's Forests? |url=https://www.globalforestwatch.org/blog/data-and-research/whats-happening-in-india-forests |access-date=2023-05-06 |website=Global Forest Watch Content}} India has a large forest economy.{{Cite web |last=Chhatre |first=Ashwini |date=2022-08-19 |title=The forest economy must be nurtured |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/the-forest-economy-must-be-nurtured/article65788549.ece |access-date=2023-05-08 |website=The Hindu Businessline |language=en}} The forests support the livelihood of approximately 275 million people, who depend on India's forests for food, fuelwood, fodder and other products. Non-timber forest products, are the largest unorganized economic sector in the country, with a sector having revenue that exceeds $788 million. Raw materials from India's forests are used in many industries, which include processed foods and confectionery, pharmaceuticals, alternative medicine, cosmetics and perfumery, and paper and pulp.

{{Main article|Fishing in India}}

As of 2020, India ranks second in aquaculture and third in fisheries production. Fisheries contributes 1.07% to India's gross domestic product (GDP) and employs 145 million people, as of 2020.{{Cite news |date=14 February 2020 |title=India's Blue Economy net getting bigger |publisher=Financial Express |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/indias-blue-economy-net-getting-bigger-country-ranks-third-in-fisheries-and-second-in-aquaculture/1867607/ |access-date=18 July 2020}} According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, fish production increased from 7.52 lakh tonnes in the year 1950–51 to 125.90 lakh tonnes in the year 2018–19, an increase of seventeen times.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=Fish production in india every year |url=http://dof.gov.in/sites/default/files/2020-08/HandbookonFS2018.pdf |access-date= |website=}} During the 2021 fiscal year, India's fish production was 14.73 million tonnes.{{Cite web |last=Minhas |first=A |date=18 January 2023 |title=India: fish production volume |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/912145/india-fish-production-volume/ |access-date=2023-05-16 |website=Statista |language=en}} From 2021 to 2022, $7.76 billion worth of marine products were exported from India.{{Cite news |last=IANS |date=2023-02-13 |title=India's seafood exports likely to reach all-time high of US $ 8 billion |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/indias-seafood-exports-likely-to-reach-all-time-high-of-us-8-billion/articleshow/97861780.cms |access-date=2023-05-18 |issn=0013-0389}} India has a long history in fishing and aquaculture.{{Cite web |last=Shridhar |first=Tarun |date=29 September 2021 |title=The Indian Subcontinent – A Cradle Of Aquaculture |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/the-indian-subcontinent-a-cradle-of-aquaculture/396006 |access-date=18 May 2023 |website=Outlook}} Aquaculture is carried out in fresh water bodies and brackish water bodies. In Indian rivers more than 400 species of fish are found, many of which are economically important. Shrimp, sardines, mackerels, carangid, croakers and other varieties are available. Major fish species available are carp, catfish, murrel and weed fish.{{cite web |title=Fisheries management - India |url=http://www.fao.org/docrep/w7560e/w7560e03.htm |access-date=23 July 2013 |publisher=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations(AOUN)}}

Abiotic resources are obtained from the non-living and non-organic material. Some of the resources, like water and air, are renewable. Other resources like minerals are non-renewable and exhaustible because they cannot be regenerated. Minerals have many categories like metallic, non-metallic and minor minerals.

Metallic minerals are the minerals which contain one or more metallic elements. They occur in rare, naturally formed concentrations known as mineral deposits. Metallic minerals available in India are gold, cobalt, zinc, iron ore, manganese ore, bauxite, silver, lead, tin, copper and chromite.{{cite web|url=http://www.mines.gov.in/writereaddata%5CContentlinks%5C1ed4a15b370646d7be2c6defb2ecf6c9.pdf|title=National Mineral Scenario|publisher=Ministry of Mines, Government of India|access-date=13 June 2013}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Chromite is an oxide of chromium and iron. It is the only commercial source of chromium. As of 2022, India accounts for 20% of the world's production of chromite.{{Cite web |last=Tribune News Service |date=12 November 2022 |title=GSI to step up exploration of chromite in Ladakh |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/j-k/gsi-to-step-up-exploration-of-chromite-in-ladakh-450439 |access-date=14 April 2023 |website=The Tribune}} As of 2022, India is also the world's 4th largest chromium producer and the country's chromium production was 4.2 million MT in the same year.{{Cite web |last=Pistilli |first=Melissa |date=27 February 2023 |title=Top 5 Chromium-producing Countries (Updated 2023) |url=https://investingnews.com/daily/resource-investing/industrial-metals-investing/chromium-investing/top-chromium-producing-countries/ |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=Investing News Network |language=en}} As of 2010, India had 200 million tonnes of resource. Odisha accounts for 98% of India's chromite deposits.{{Cite web |last=Express News Service |date=1 March 2023 |title=Gold reserves found in three districts: Odisha Minister |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bhubaneswar/2023/mar/01/gold-reserves-found-in-three-districts-odisha-minister-2552044.html |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=The New Indian Express}} Minor amount of resources are available from Manipur, Nagaland, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.{{cite web |date=October 2012 |title=Chromite - Indian Minerals Year book - 2011 |url=http://ibm.nic.in/IMYB%202011_Chromite.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811033857/http://ibm.nic.in/IMYB%202011_Chromite.pdf |archive-date=11 August 2013 |access-date=23 July 2013 |publisher=Indian Bureau of Mines, Government of India}} It is mostly mined by opencast method. Chromium provides additional strength to the alloys and it is resistant to corrosion, so it is mainly used in metallurgical applications. It can withstand sudden temperature changes, so it is used in refractories. It is also used in chemical applications. In 2020, Tata Steel Mining, a subsidiary of Tata Steel, started chromite mining operations in Odisha.{{Cite web |last=Our Bureau |date=2020-11-06 |title=Tata Steel arm starts chromite mining operations in Odisha |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/markets/commodities/tata-steel-arm-starts-chromite-mining-operations-in-odisha/article33041509.ece |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=The Hindu Business Line |language=en}}

Vedanta Limited is India's leading cobalt producer, which the company became by acquiring Nicomet in 2021.{{Cite news |last=Zachariah |first=Reeba |date=2021-12-21 |title=Vedanta buys bankrupt nickel, cobalt co Nicomet |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/vedanta-buys-bankrupt-nickel-cobalt-co-nicomet/articleshow/88399238.cms |access-date=2023-04-28 |issn=0971-8257}}

{{main|Copper production in India}}

File:KausambiCastCopperCoin1stCenturyBCEInscribedKosabi.jpg

Copper has been used in India since ancient times. In 2022, the Archaeological Survey of India found copper anthropomorphic figures and weapons that could potentially date back to 1600 to 2000 BC.{{Cite web |last=Salaria |first=Shikha |date=2022-06-25 |title=ASI finds copper figures and weapons dating back 3,800 years in Mainpuri |url=https://theprint.in/india/asi-finds-copper-figures-and-weapons-dating-back-3800-years-in-mainpuri/1012119/ |access-date=2023-03-14 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}} Details of copper mining and metallurgy are available in ancient works like the Arthashastra.{{Cite book |last=Kauṭalya |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FFJz72h5qjUC&dq=copper+mining+arthashastra&pg=PP10 |title=The Arthashastra |publisher=Penguin Books India |year=1992 |isbn=978-0-14-044603-6 |editor-last=Rangarajan |editor-first=L.N. |location=New Delhi |pages=297–300 |language=en |translator-last=Rangarajan |translator-first=L.N.}} In India, consumers of copper include the real estate, home appliance manufacturing and renewable energy sectors, such as electric vehicles, solar power and wind turbines.{{Cite web |last=Industry Outlook Team |date=17 November 2022 |title=India pace global trend with robust copper demand this year |url=https://www.theindustryoutlook.com/machinery-and-equipment/news/india-pace-global-trend-with-robust-copper-demand-this-year-nwid-3378.html |access-date=2023-03-15 |website=www.theindustryoutlook.com}} As of 2019, India has approximately 2% of the world copper reserves and the country accounts for 0.2% of the world's copper production. India does not have a large number of copper mines and the mines in the country are primarily concentrated in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand.{{Cite web |last=Jagasheth |first=Urvisha |date=2019 |title=Indian Copper Industry- Trends and Outlook |url=https://www.careratings.com/uploads/newsfiles/Copper%20September%202019%20update.pdf |access-date=15 March 2023 |website=CARE Ratings |pages=1–2 }} Sterlite Copper, Hindalco Industries and Hindustan Copper are the three companies that dominate India's copper industry.{{Cite web |last=Kiran |first=Niti |date=2019-12-11 |title=India's copper production shrinks 6.4%; Sterlite Copper, Hindustan Copper see massive slump in output |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/economy-politics/story/india-refined-copper-production-shrinks-64-sterlite-copper-hindustan-copper-see-massive-slump-in-output-241040-2019-12-11 |access-date=2023-03-15 |website=Business Today |language=en}}

As of 2020, India's gold production was 1.6 tonnes.{{Cite web |last=Press Trust of India |date=2022-03-17 |title=India's gold mine output 1.6 tonnes in 2020; may rise to 20 tonnes/yr: WGC |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/india-s-gold-mine-output-1-6-tonnes-in-2020-may-rise-to-20-tonnes-yr-wgc-122031700860_1.html |access-date=2023-03-03 |website=Business Standard |language=en}} In 2022, the Reserve Bank of India had total gold reserves of 787.4 tonnes.{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Mukesh |date=20 January 2023 |title=India's gold market in December: retail demand sluggish and imports tumbled |url=https://www.gold.org/goldhub/gold-focus/2023/01/indias-gold-market-december-retail-demand-sluggish-and-imports-tumbled |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=World Gold Council |language=en}} India had the world's 9th largest gold reserves in 2022, and also became the world's 4th largest gold recycling country in the same year.{{Cite web |last=DNA Web Team |date=25 March 2022 |title=Top 10 countries with highest gold reserve, this is where India stands |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/business/report-top-10-countries-with-the-highest-gold-reserves-know-where-india-stands-us-germany-italy-france-russia-china-2941389 |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=DNA India |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Wadhwa |first=Puneet |date=2022-06-21 |title=India now the fourth largest gold recycling country: World Gold Council |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/markets/india-now-the-fourth-largest-gold-recycling-country-world-gold-council-122062100700_1.html |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=Business Standard |language=en}} The country has increased its organised gold refining capacity, with an increase from just 300 tons in 2013 to approximately 1,800 tons in 2021. India has only 0.75% of total world gold production.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=9 December 2013 |title=Gold production in India |url=https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/india-2/production-and-distribution-of-gold-in-india/19753 |access-date= |website=}} As of 2022, the Hutti Gold Mine, located in the Raichur district of Karnataka, is the only significant gold producer in the country.{{Cite web |last=PTI |date=17 March 2022 |title=India's gold mine output 1.6 tonnes in 2020; may rise to 20 tonnes/year: WGC |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/market/commodities/indias-gold-mine-output-1-6-tonnes-in-2020-may-rise-to-20-tonnesyear-wgc/2464212/ |access-date=2023-03-13 |website=The Financial Express |language=en}}

{{Main article|Iron and steel industry in India}}

As of 2023, India is the world's 4th largest exporter of iron ore.{{Cite web |last=Shan |first=Lee Ying |date=1 February 2023 |title=Iron ore prices could rally as one leading producer remains reluctant to share, analyst says |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/01/iron-ore-prices-may-rally-as-india-remains-reluctant-to-share-analyst.html |access-date=2023-03-14 |website=CNBC |language=en}} The country also accounts for 9.2% of the world's iron ore production as of 2023. In 2021, the value of India's iron ore exports were $4.2 billion.{{Cite web |last=Garside |first=M |date=17 November 2022 |title=Iron ore exports leading countries 2021 |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1247850/leading-exporting-countries-of-iron-ore/ |access-date=2023-03-17 |website=Statista |language=en}} As of 2019, India has the world's 7th largest iron ore reserves, with reserves of 5.5 billion tonnes.{{Cite web |last=NS Energy Staff Writer |date=29 June 2021 |title=Seven countries with the largest iron ore reserves in the world in 2019 |url=https://www.nsenergybusiness.com/features/world-iron-ore-reserves-countries/ |access-date=2023-03-17 |website=NS Energy |language=en-US}} Hematite and magnetite are the most prevalent iron ores found in the country.{{Cite web |last=Tandon |first=Tulika |date=2021-02-27 |title=Iron Ore Reserves and Production in India: Know about Jiling Langlota and Guali mines of Odisha |url=https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/all-about-iron-ore-reserves-and-production-in-india-new-mines-in-odisha-and-other-details-1614246683-1 |access-date=2023-03-19 |website=Jagran Josh}} The major amount of hematite is found in Orissa, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Goa. Minor amounts of hematite are found in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Most magnetite is found in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. Minor amounts of magnetite are found in Assam, Bihar, Goa, Jharkhand, Kerala, Maharashtra, Meghalaya and Nagaland. Mining is done by the opencast method. Iron ore is mainly used for manufacturing of pig iron, sponge iron and steel. It is also used in coal washeries, cement and glass industries.{{cite web |date=October 2012 |title=Iron ore - Indian Minerals year book - 2011 |url=http://ibm.nic.in/IMYB%202011_Iron%20ore.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130810234413/http://ibm.nic.in/IMYB%202011_Iron%20ore.pdf |archive-date=10 August 2013 |access-date=1 August 2013 |publisher=Indian Bureau of Mines, Government of India}} As of 2021, NMDC is India's largest public sector iron ore producing company.{{Cite web |last=SNS |date=2021-11-12 |title=India's largest iron ore producing Public Sector company delivers best ever results |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/indias-largest-iron-ore-producing-public-sector-company-delivers-best-ever-results-1503024179.html |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=The Statesman |language=en-US}} As of 2023, Vedanta Limited is the country's largest private company in iron ore production and the second largest producer overall in India.{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=2023-03-02 |title=Capital is necessary for growth, says Vedanta Resources |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/indl-goods/svs/metals-mining/capital-is-necessary-for-growth-says-vedanta-resources/articleshow/98368075.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-04-13 |issn=0013-0389}} Tata Steel is another prominent private company that mines iron ore.{{Cite web |last=Punj |first=Vivek |date=2021-11-27 |title=Tata Steel focuses on increasing iron ore production to 45 mtpa in 5 yrs |url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/tata-steel-focuses-on-increasing-iron-ore-production-to-45-mtpa-in-5-yrs-11638031063390.html |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=mint |language=en}}

In February 2023, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) found 5.9 million metric tonnes of lithium in Reasi District of Jammu, making India the country with the world's 7th largest lithium resources.{{Cite web |last=Malik |first=Irfan Amin |date=17 February 2023 |title=What lies ahead for India's lithium village in Jammu |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/what-lies-ahead-for-indias-lithium-village-in-jammu-10105591.html |access-date=2023-02-20 |website=Moneycontrol |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Mohan |first=Vishwa |date=2023-02-10 |title=GSI discovery makes India 7th largest Lithium resource |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/gsi-discovery-makes-india-7th-largest-lithium-resource/articleshow/97807112.cms |access-date=2023-02-20 |issn=0971-8257}} In April 2023, the process for auctioning mining rights for the lithium was started.{{Cite web |last1=Narayan |first1=Subhash |last2=Mishra |first2=Mihir |date=2023-04-10 |title=J&K govt may hire SBI Cap to advise on lithium auction |url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/jammu-kashmir-to-auction-lithium-mines-may-hire-sbi-caps-as-advisor-india-targets-30-ev-adoption-by-2030-lithiummining-evadoption-11681063399442.html |access-date=2023-04-19 |website=Mint |language=en}} Lithium reserves of 1600 tonnes were also found in Karnataka in 2021.{{Cite news |last=IANS |date=2023-02-27 |title=After J&K, Karnataka next in turn for good news on lithium in Mandya |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/indl-goods/svs/metals-mining/after-jammu-karnataka-next-in-turn-for-good-news-on-lithium-in-mandya/articleshow/98235547.cms |access-date=2023-04-22 |issn=0013-0389}}{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=V. Rishi |date=2021-08-13 |title=Atomic Minerals Directorate looks for lithium in Karnataka, Rajasthan |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/atomic-minerals-directorate-looks-for-lithium-in-karnataka-rajasthan/article35890816.ece |access-date=2023-04-22 |website=www.thehindubusinessline.com |language=en}} Between 2023 and 2024, the GSI will also undertake lithium exploration in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand due to the topographical and geological similarities to Jammu and Kashmir.{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Abhishek |date=17 April 2023 |title=India to look for lithium in Uttarakhand, Himachal |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/india-to-look-for-lithium-in-uttarakhand-himachal/article66747247.ece |access-date=23 April 2023 |website=The Hindu BusinessLine}}

As of 2021, India is the world's 7th largest producer of manganese.{{Cite web |last=Pistilli |first=Melissa |date=21 September 2022 |title=Top 10 Manganese-producing Countries |url=https://investingnews.com/daily/resource-investing/battery-metals-investing/manganese-investing/top-manganese-producing-countries/ |access-date=2023-03-16 |website=Investing News Network |language=en}} The country produced 600,000 tonnes of manganese in 2021. The majority of the manganese produced in India is used in steel production. It is found in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra. As of 2022, MOIL is India's largest producer of manganese ore and operates 11 mines.{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=4 April 2022 |title=Manganese ore miner MOIL's FY22 turnover grows 22 pc to Rs 1,436 crore |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/indl-goods/svs/metals-mining/manganese-ore-miner-moils-fy22-turnover-grows-22-pc-to-rs-1436-crore/articleshow/90645039.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2022-11-29}}

As of 2023, Vedanta Limited is India's sole producer of nickel. 93% of the country nickel resources are found in Odisha.{{Cite web |last1=Nair |first1=Purnima M. |last2=Avachat |first2=Hitesh M. |date=10 January 2019 |title=Nickel Industry |url=https://www.careratings.com/uploads/newsfiles/Nickel%20Industry.pdf |website=CARE Ratings |page=3 }}

As of 2022, India is the 11th largest silver producer in the world.{{Cite web |last=GlobalData |date=2023-04-06 |title=Silver production in India and major projects |url=https://www.mining-technology.com/data-insights/silver-in-india/ |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=Mining Technology |language=en-US}} The country also accounts for 3% of the world's silver production. India's largest silver mine is the Sindesar Khurd Mine, in Rajasthan.{{Cite web |title=ShieldSquare Captcha |url=https://www.globaldata.com/data-insights/mining/india--five-largest-silver-mines-in-2090706/#:~:text=The%20five%20largest%20silver%20mines,mmtpa%20of%20ROM%20in%202021. |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=GlobalData |language=en}} Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) is India's largest silver producer.{{Cite web |date=21 April 2023 |title=Hindustan Zinc Becomes Fifth Largest Silver Producer Globally |url=https://www.businesswireindia.com/hindustan-zinc-becomes-fifth-largest-silver-producer-globally-84168.html#:~:text=Udaipur,%20Rajasthan,%20India:&text=Hindustan%20Zinc,%20India%27s%20leading%20zinc,top%2020%20silver-producing%20countries. |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=Business Wire India |language=en}} As of 2022, HZL is also the world's 5th largest silver producer.

As of 2022, India has the world's 6th largest zinc reserves.{{Cite web |last=Garside |first=M |date=26 February 2023 |title=Zinc reserves worldwide by country 2022 |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/273639/global-zinc-reserves-by-country/ |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=Statista |language=en}} There is evidence that zinc production took place in Rajasthan in the 6th century BC. References to medicinal uses of zinc are present in the Charaka Samhita, written between 300 and 500 AD.{{Cite web |title=Philosopher's Wool or White Snow {{!}} Hindustan Zinc |url=https://www.hzlindia.com/ask_for_zinc/philosophers-wool-or-white-snow-zinc-always-and-forever/ |access-date=2023-03-21 |website=Hindustan Zinc}} Mines in Zawar, Rajasthan, date back to the 9th century and are among the oldest evidence of zinc mines in India. Zinc is recovered from a number of different zinc ores. The types of zinc ores include sulfide, carbonate, silicate and oxide.{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.gsi.gov.in/portal/page?_pageid=127,745800&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL |title=Zinc |publisher=Geological Survey of India, Ministry of Mines, Government of India |access-date=8 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811093822/http://www.portal.gsi.gov.in/portal/page?_pageid=127,745800&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL |archive-date=11 August 2016 |url-status=dead }} Zinc is used in galvanisation, batteries, electrical goods and equipment, hardware, communication equipment, musical instruments and machinery. It is also used as white pigment in paints. HZL is the country's largest integrated producer of zinc and as of 2023, the company an 80% market share in primary zinc production in India.{{Cite web |last=Bhalerao |first=Mayur |date=2023-03-21 |title=Hindustan Zinc to pay Rs26 per share as interim dividend |url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/hindustan-zinc-to-pay-rs26-per-share-as-interim-dividend-11679407999290.html |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=Mint |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=SI Reporter |date=2023-03-22 |title=Hindustan Zinc surges 5% on announcing liberal interim dividend |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/markets/hindustan-zinc-surges-5-on-announcing-liberal-interim-dividend-123032200182_1.html |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=Business Standard |language=en}} As of 2023, HZL is also the second largest integrated zinc producer in the world.{{Cite web |last=Press Trust of India |date=2 February 2023 |title=Government To Sell Some Stake In Hindustan Zinc Ltd This Fiscal: DIPAM Secretary |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/business/government-to-sell-some-stake-in-hindustan-zinc-ltd-this-fiscal-dipam-secretary-news-258898 |access-date=24 March 2023 |website=Outlook}} Rampura Agucha, owned by HZL, is the world's largest underground zinc mine as of 2022.{{Cite web |last=Wayne |first=Michael |date=29 November 2022 |title=Zinc Pioneers: Hindustan Zinc |url=https://www.theceomagazine.com/executive-interviews/mining-metals/hindustan-zinc/ |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=The CEO Magazine |language=en-US}} India's 5 largest zinc mines are located in Rajasthan.{{Cite web |date=2022 |title=India: Five Largest Zinc Mines in 2021 |url=https://www.globaldata.com/data-insights/mining/india--five-largest-zinc-mines-in-2090715/ |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=GlobalData |language=en}} A minor amount of resources are available in Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Maharashtra states.

Non-metallic minerals are those which do not yield new products on melting. They are generally associated with sedimentary rocks. Non-Metallic minerals available from India are

phosphorite, dolomite, gypsum, garnet, wollastonite, vermiculite, ochre, perlite, bentonite, asbestos, cadmium, felspar, soapstone, kaolin, sillimanite, limestone, diatomite, pyrophyllite, fluorite, vanadium, dunite, ilmenite, gallium and zircon.{{cite web|url=http://ibm.nic.in/imyb2011.htm|title=Indian Minerals Year Book 2011|publisher=Indian Bureau of Mines|access-date=13 June 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508161506/http://ibm.nic.in/imyb2011.htm|archive-date=8 May 2013}}

File:AlmandinInde.jpg

It is a group of complex silicate minerals and has similar chemical compositions. There are three groups of garnet - aluminum-garnet group, chromium-garnet group, and iron-garnet group. The minerals in aluminium-garnet group are almandine, grossularite, pyrope, and spessartine. The mineral in Iron-garnet group is andradite. The mineral in chromium-garnet group is uvarovite. Garnet group minerals occur in different rock types.{{cite web |url=http://www.geo.umn.edu/courses/1001/minerals/garnet.shtml|title=Garnet Group|publisher=Department of Geology, University of Minnesota, U.S.A|access-date=1 August 2013}} It is a hard substance. It is resistant to chemical exposure. It is used as a semi-precious stone and also in abrasives, sand blasting, water filtration materials and water jet cutting. Garnets are available in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Orissa, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. It is also found in beach sands of Kerala, Orissa and Tamil Nadu states.{{cite web|url=http://ibm.nic.in/IMYB%202011_Garnet.pdf|title=Garnet - Indian Minerals Year Book - 2011|date=October 2012|publisher=Indian Bureau of Mines, Government of India|access-date=10 July 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811032004/http://ibm.nic.in/IMYB%202011_Garnet.pdf|archive-date=11 August 2013}} In 2007–08, India produced 8,73,000 tonnes.{{cite web|url=http://www.portal.gsi.gov.in/gsiDoc/pub/peer_reviewed_base_document_com_iv.pdf|title=INDUSTRIAL & FERTILIZER MINERALS|year=2011|publisher=Geological Survey of India|access-date=2 July 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016124047/http://www.portal.gsi.gov.in/gsiDoc/pub/peer_reviewed_base_document_com_iv.pdf|archive-date=16 October 2013}}

It is a meta-silicate of calcium. It is mostly white in color and occurs as bladed or needle like crystals. In 2010, India had 16 million tonnes of resource. Most of the deposits are available in Rajasthan (Dungarpur, Pali, Sirohi and Udaipur districts). Minor amount of deposits are found in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.{{cite web|url=http://ibm.nic.in/IMYB%202011_Wollastonite.pdf|title=Wollastonite - Indian Minerals Year book - 2011|date=October 2012|publisher=Indian Bureau of Mines, Government of India|access-date=10 July 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811040249/http://ibm.nic.in/IMYB%202011_Wollastonite.pdf|archive-date=11 August 2013}} It is mainly used in ceramic industries and metallurgical applications. It is also used as a filler in wall tiles, paint, rubber and plastic. India is one of the largest reserves. In 2011, India produced 150,000 tons.{{cite web |url=http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/wollastonite/mcs-2012-wolla.pdf|title=WOLLASTONITE|date=January 2012|work=Mineral Commodity Summaries|publisher=U.S. Geological Survey|access-date=21 June 2013}} It is mined by opencast method. It is also used as a substitute for short-fibre asbestos in brake-linings. Central Building Research Institute has found that wollastonite can be used as substitute for chrysotile asbestos in cement products.

File:Sillimanite-k302a.jpg

It is a group of metamorphic minerals - sillimanite, kyanite and andalusite. It looks like a crystal. These are polymorphs of alumino-silicate. These are formed under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. The three minerals are calcined to form mullite. Mainly used as refractory materials.

As of 2010, India had 66 million tonnes of sillimanite, 100 million tonnes of Kyanite and 18 million tonnes of Andalusite as a resource. Most of the resources are found in Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Assam. A minor amount of resources are found in Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Rajasthan and West Bengal. Granular sillimanite is available in beach sands of South India. Sillimanite refractory bricks are used in steel, glass and petrochemical industries.{{cite web|url=http://ibm.nic.in/IMYB%202011_Kyanite%20-Sillim.pdf|title=Kyanite, Sillimanite and Andalusite - Indian Minerals Year book - 2011|date=October 2012|publisher=Indian Bureau of Mines, Ministry of Mines, India|access-date=10 July 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811072312/http://ibm.nic.in/IMYB%202011_Kyanite%20-Sillim.pdf|archive-date=11 August 2013}} In 2004, India produced 14,500 tonnes of sillimanite and 6200 tonnes of kyanite.{{cite web |url=http://www.resources.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/238207/Sillimanite.pdf|title=Sillimanite group|publisher=Division of Resources and Energy, Government of Australia|access-date=2 July 2013}}

It is a compound of iron and titanium. It will be iron-black or steel-gray in color. It is a non-toxic material used in biomedical substances. Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology has developed an environmentally friendly technology for processing ilmenite.{{cite news|title=Plan to set up tech plant|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1111025/jsp/orissa/story_14663470.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111201105702/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1111025/jsp/orissa/story_14663470.jsp|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 December 2011|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=25 October 2011|location=Bhubaneswar, India}}

It is also used in production of titanium dioxide pigment. It is available in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Orissa. Mining is done at Chavara, Chatrapur, Aluva and Manavalakurichi by Indian Rare Earths limited.{{cite web|url=http://www.irel.gov.in/scripts/unit.asp|title=Unit profile|publisher=IREL, Department of Atomic Energy|access-date=10 July 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113114214/http://www.irel.gov.in/scripts/unit.asp|archive-date=13 January 2016}} As of 2013, India has 21% of the world's reserves and constitutes 6% of the world's production.{{cite news|title=Mining industry association requests export duty rollback|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-22/india-business/37935479_1_export-duty-fimi-indian-mineral-industries|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130702105732/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-22/india-business/37935479_1_export-duty-fimi-indian-mineral-industries|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 July 2013|date=22 March 2013|newspaper=The Times of India|location=Chennai, India}}

It is a hydrous alumino-silicate. It is chemically inert, has high melting point and low electrical conductivity. It is used in refractories, foundry dressings, pesticides, ceramics and rubber. It is available as hydrothermal deposits.{{cite web |url=http://www.resources.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/238200/Pyrophyllite.pdf|title=Pyrophyllite|publisher=Division of Resources and Energy, Government of Australia|access-date=2 July 2013}} The physical and optical properties are pyrophyllite are similar to talc. It is also used in electrical insulators, sanitary-ware and in the glass industry. As of 2010, India had 56 million tonnes of this resource. Most of the resources are found in Madhya Pradesh (Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh and Shivpuri districts). The remaining resources are found in Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. In 2010, India produced 1.5 million tonnes.{{cite web|url=http://ibm.nic.in/IMYB%202011_Pyrophyllite.pdf|title=Pyrophyllite - Indian Minerals year book - 2011|date=October 2012|publisher=Indian Bureau of Mines, Government of India|access-date=1 August 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130810231949/http://ibm.nic.in/IMYB%202011_Pyrophyllite.pdf|archive-date=10 August 2013}}

File:Quartzite rocks at a hillock near Anandapuram.jpg

File:White Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat.jpg

Minor minerals available are building stone, brick earth, quartzite, marble, granite, gravel, clay and sand. These are mainly used in building constructions. Environmental impact of mining these minerals was significant over a period of time even the area was small. Impacts were increasing water scarcity, damage to river beds and adverse effects on biodiversity. So from 2012 onwards, mining of these minerals are to be done after clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests.{{cite news|title=MoEF's clearance must for mining minor minerals, too: Supreme Court|url=http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/moefs-clearance-must-mining-minor-minerals-too-supreme-court|newspaper=Down to Earth|date=7 March 2012|location=India}}

Marble is a metamorphosed limestone formed by re-crystallization. It is available in different colours and textures. Marble deposits are available in many states of India. It has been used in India for a long time. It was used in construction of Temples, Tombs and Palaces. Now it is also used for flooring in homes and offices. It is preferred for flooring because of its durability and water resistance.{{cite news|title=Marble remains best flooring option|url=http://www.hindu.com/pp/2009/01/17/stories/2009011750230300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090426171517/http://www.hindu.com/pp/2009/01/17/stories/2009011750230300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 April 2009|newspaper=The Hindu|date=17 January 2009}} Marbles which are economically important are available in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. As of 2010, there was 1931 million tonnes of resource, including all grades of marble. Based on the chemical composition, types of Marble available are Calcite, Dolomitic, Siliceous Limestone, Serpentine and Travertine marbles. Other than construction, it is used in Paint and Agricultural lime.{{cite web|url=http://ibm.nic.in/IMYB%202011_Marble.pdf|title=Indian minerals year book - 2011 - Marble|date=October 2012|publisher=Indian Bureau of Mines|access-date=14 June 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811043215/http://ibm.nic.in/IMYB%202011_Marble.pdf|archive-date=11 August 2013}}

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• Mining in India
• Geological Survey of India
• MOIL Limited
• Geology of India
• Agriculture in India
• Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute
• National Environmental Engineering Research Institute

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Category:Resource economics

Category:Mining in India

Category:Economy of India

India