MAJOR MINERAL BELTS OF INDIA

Published on 18 Feb 2025

Significance of major mineral belts in India

• Geographic Significance

• Uneven Distribution: Mineral resources are concentrated in specific regions, such as the Peninsular Plateau, the Himalayan Belt, and the coastal plains. This uneven distribution influences the location of industries

• Example: The concentration of iron ore and coal in Jharkhand and Odisha has led to the establishment of major steel industries in these regions.

• Accessibility: The proximity of mineral belts to transportation networks impacts extraction and transportation costs

• Example: Coastal mineral belts, like those in Gujarat and Maharashtra, benefit from easy access to ports for exporting mineral products.

• Environmental Impact: Mining activities often occur in ecologically sensitive areas, leading to environmental degradation.

• Example: The mining of coal in Jharkhand has led to deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution.

• Economic Significance

• Industrial Backbone: Minerals are essential raw materials for various industries, contributing significantly to GDP.

• Example: The mining sector in India contributes about 2.5% to the national GDP, with the iron and steel industry heavily dependent on iron ore from mineral-rich regions like the Peninsular Plateau.

• Export Revenue: Mineral exports, particularly iron ore and mica, generate significant foreign exchange earnings.

• Example: In the fiscal year 2020-21, India's iron ore exports were valued at approximately $4.5 billion, making it one of the largest contributors to the country's mineral export revenue.

• Employment Generation: The mining sector provides direct and indirect employment opportunities.

• Example: Coal mining in Jharkhand and Odisha employs a large workforce, supporting the livelihoods of many.

• Industrial Significance

• Raw Material Supply: Mineral belts supply essential raw materials for industries like steel, cement, aluminum, and electronics.

• Example: The bauxite reserves in Odisha are the primary source of alumina, the raw material for aluminum production.

• Infrastructure Development: The mining sector drives the development of transportation, energy, and other infrastructure facilities.

• Example: The establishment of railway lines and ports to transport iron ore from the mining regions to steel plants has contributed to infrastructure development.

• Environmental Considerations

• Ecological Impact: Mining activities can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution.

• Example: Open-cast mining in the coal-rich regions of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh has led to significant deforestation and land degradation.

• Sustainable Mining: There is a growing need for sustainable mining practices to minimize environmental damage and ensure the long-term availability of mineral resources.

• Example: The government has introduced regulations for mine closure and rehabilitation to mitigate environmental impacts.

Tags:
Geography

Keywords:
MAJOR MINERAL BELTS OF INDIA Significance of major mineral belts in India

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 1

Topics:
Resources Distribution