Mineral Resources of Uttar Pradesh
Introduction to Uttar Pradesh’s Mineral Wealth
Uttar Pradesh is rich in natural resources, with various minerals like limestone, magnetite, copper, gypsum, dolomite, coal, and even diamonds found in the state. Most of these minerals are located in the Vindhya Mountain Range.
In 1955, the Directorate of Geology and Mining was established to explore these mineral resources. Later, in 1974, the Uttar Pradesh State Mineral Development Corporation was formed to promote the development of industries related to these resources. The state announced its first Mineral Policy on December 29, 1998.
Twelve districts in Uttar Pradesh have been identified as mineral-rich areas: Mirzapur, Saharanpur, Sonbhadra, Prayagraj, Banda, Hamirpur, Mahoba, Jhansi, Jalaun, Lalitpur, Chitrakoot, and Chandauli.
Types of Minerals Found in Uttar Pradesh
Minerals in Uttar Pradesh can be broadly categorized into two types: Metallic Minerals and Non-Metallic Minerals.
Metallic Minerals
Metallic minerals contain one or more metallic elements. Below are some of the key metallic minerals found in Uttar Pradesh:
1. Bauxite
- Locations: Found in Banda, Chandauli, and Lalitpur.
- Uses: Primarily used in the aluminium industry for making kitchen utensils, airplane parts, and foils.
- Industry Highlight: The Hindustan Aluminum Corporation (HINDALCO) was established in Renukoot in 1962.
- Special Note: Metal-grade bauxite is located in the Manikpur area of Chitrakoot district.
2. Copper
- Locations: A large deposit of copper is found in Lalitpur district.
- Uses: Copper is widely used in building construction, power generation, transmission, and electronic products.
3. Iron
- Locations: Found in Mirzapur district.
- Types: Hematite and Magnetite iron ores are present.
- Special Note: Large reserves of low-grade iron ore are found in Girar, Lalitpur, used for making sponge iron.
4. Gold
- Locations: Found in the sand of Ramganga and Sharda rivers, as well as in Lalitpur and Sonbhadra districts.
5. Diaspore
- Locations: Found in Jhansi, Lalitpur, and Mahoba districts.
- Special Note: Uttar Pradesh ranks first in the production of diaspore.
Non-Metallic Minerals
Non-metallic minerals do not contain metallic elements. Some key non-metallic minerals found in Uttar Pradesh include:
1. Dolomite
- Locations: Found in the Kajrahat area of Mirzapur and estimated at about 15 million tonnes near Bari village in Sonbhadra.
- Uses: Used in Portland cement, Plaster of Paris, Sulphuric acid, and the iron and steel industry.
2. Coal
- Locations: Found in the Barakar belt of Sonbhadra district and Singrauli area of Mirzapur.
- Uses: Primarily used in coal-fired power plants for electricity generation.
- Special Note: Uttar Pradesh ranks 8th in coal reserves in India.
3. Glass Sand (Silica Sand)
- Locations: Found in Chakia area of Chandauli, Mudari and Balabehat of Jhansi, and Karchhana tehsil of Prayagraj.
- Uses: Used in making utensils, eyewear, and buildings.
- Special Note: Uttar Pradesh ranks 3rd in India for glass sand production.
4. Marble
- Locations: Found in Mirzapur and Sonbhadra districts.
- Uses: Marble has a wide range of uses, including in buildings, floors, cosmetics, paint, paper, and pharmaceuticals.
- Historical Significance: Marble was used in constructing the Taj Mahal.
5. China Clay
- Locations: Found in Naudiha, Ramgarh, Kon, and Jalalia of Sonbhadra district.
- Uses: Used in ceramics, toothpaste, cosmetics, paint, and bulbs.
Major Minerals and Their Locations in Uttar Pradesh
| Mineral | Major Areas (Districts) |
|---|---|
| Bauxite | Sonbhadra, Chandauli, Banda |
| Iron Ore | Mirzapur |
| Copper | Sonrai (Lalitpur) |
| Gold | Bhikhampur (Lalitpur), Hardi (Sonbhadra) |
| Limestone | Kanach, Guruma, Babuhari (Mirzapur), Kajrahat (Sonbhadra) |
| Rock Phosphate | Lalitpur, Banda |
| Glass Sand | Chakia (Chandauli), Mudari, Balabehat (Jhansi), Lalapur (Prayagraj) |
| Coal | Singrauli (Sonbhadra) |
| Marble | Mirzapur, Sonbhadra |
| Dolomite | Kajrahat (Sonbhadra), Banda, Mirzapur |
| Gypsum | Hamirpur, Jhansi |
| Diamond | Mirzapur, Banda |
| Potash Salt | Chandauli, Prayagraj, Jhansi, Kanpur, Banda, Ghazipur, Varanasi |
| Pyrites | Mirzapur, Sonbhadra |
READ MORE – Energy Resources in Uttar Pradesh
Mining Administration in Uttar Pradesh
Establishment and Objective
The Directorate of Geology and Mining was established in 1955 with the primary objective of identifying and exploring the natural mineral resources available in Uttar Pradesh. This department is responsible for conducting various mineral exploration programs and overseeing mining activities within the state.
Structure and Offices
The Directorate has a well-organized structure with its headquarters located in Uttar Pradesh. It operates 9 regional offices and 31 quarry offices across different districts, ensuring effective administration and regulation of mining activities at the local level.
Exploration Programs
Over the years, the Directorate has undertaken several exploration programs aimed at discovering valuable minerals. Some key explorations include:
- Gold: Discovered in the Tori and Khutgaon regions of Lalitpur district.
- Platinum: Found in the Ikauna-Dangli region of Lalitpur district.
- Kimberlite: Explored in the Bunt region of Lalitpur district.
- Rare-earth metals: Located in the Khajraha Bujarg region of Jhansi district.
Additionally, a new program for the exploration of potash was initiated in 2009-10, and another for kimberlite in 2010-11 in the Bunt region of Lalitpur district.
Uttar Pradesh Mining Policy, 2017
The Uttar Pradesh Mining Policy, 2017 was officially declared on 30th May 2017 under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Aditya Nath. This policy was introduced to regulate mining activities in the state, with a focus on sustainable and responsible development of mineral resources.
Key Objectives of the Mining Policy, 2017
- Conservation of Minerals: Ensuring the sustainable use and conservation of the state’s mineral resources.
- Environmental Balance: Maintaining a balance between mining activities and the protection of the environment and ecosystem.
- Revenue Enhancement: Increasing revenue generation from mining activities, aiming to raise it from the current 1.85% to 3% within the next five years.
- Fair Competition: Promoting fair and transparent competition in the mining sector to ensure a level playing field.
- Technological Support and Advisory Services: Providing the necessary technological support and advisory services for the scientific development of minerals.
- Data Availability: Making information and data regarding mining activities and mineral resources readily available to stakeholders.
- Intensification of Exploration: Intensifying the exploration of minerals through the use of advanced technological interventions.
- Transparency and Corruption-Free Environment: Promoting transparency in mining operations and ensuring a corruption-free environment.
Conclusion
The mining administration in Uttar Pradesh plays a crucial role in identifying, exploring, and managing the state’s mineral resources. With the introduction of the Uttar Pradesh Mining Policy, 2017, the state has taken significant steps towards sustainable mineral development, environmental conservation, and revenue enhancement. These efforts aim to ensure that Uttar Pradesh’s rich mineral resources are utilized responsibly, contributing to the state’s economic growth and development.
FAQs
- Question: When was the first Mineral Policy of Uttar Pradesh declared?
ANSWER: 29th December, 1998 - Question: Hindustan Aluminium Corporation established a new aluminium factory at which place in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Renukoot - Question: Copper is found in which region of Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Sonai-Lalitpur - Question: The only area in Uttar Pradesh where copper is found is?
ANSWER: Lalitpur - Question: Which type of iron is found in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Hematite and Magnetite - Question: On the basin of which river is gold found in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Gomti-Ghaghara basin - Question: Dolomite minerals of Kajrahat regions, Mirzapur, are used for which industry?
ANSWER: Iron industry - Question: Coal is found in which region of Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Singrauli - Question: What is Uttar Pradesh’s rank in the production of Silica sand?
ANSWER: Third - Question: What is Uttar Pradesh’s rank in terms of limestone deposits?
ANSWER: Second - Question: Which district of Uttar Pradesh has the largest deposit of uranium?
ANSWER: Lalitpur - Question: Which mineral is used for generating atomic or nuclear power?
ANSWER: Uranium - Question: Pyrophyllite is found in which district of Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Jhansi - Question: Which mineral is a mixture of lime and clay?
ANSWER: Concrete - Question: Hydraulic lime is obtained by the help of which mineral?
ANSWER: Gypsum - Question: The main region of Talc mines is located in which areas?
ANSWER: Hamirpur and Jhansi - Question: Diamond is found in which district of Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Banda - Question: Rock phosphate is used in which industry?
ANSWER: Fertilizer industry - Question: Building stone is found in which district of Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Mirzapur - Question: Which district of Uttar Pradesh has the maximum mineral deposit?
ANSWER: Mirzapur - Question: Which mineral is not found in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Mica - Question: Pyrites is found in which district of Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Mirzapur - Question: Which metals are found in Sonbhadra?
ANSWER: Pyrite, Marble, and Andalusite - Question: When was the latest Mining Policy of Uttar Pradesh declared?
ANSWER: 2017 - Question: Match the following: (a) Sonbhadra – Silica, (b) Lalitpur – Copper, (c) Prayagraj – Limestone
ANSWER: (b) Lalitpur – Copper
