Discuss the significance of the Chota Nagpur plateau as a storehouse of minerals in India, highlighting the major minerals found in the region and their distribution.
UPSC Mains
Syllabus topic
Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent
Why was this question asked?
Discuss the natural resource potentials of ‘Deccan trap’.
Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss.
Introduction
The Chota Nagpur plateau in India is renowned for its abundant mineral resources, making it a crucial industrial region in the country.
The plateau is divided into three physical divisions:
Ranchi Plateau, Hazaribagh Plateau, and Kodarma Plateau. It is known as the “storehouse of minerals” due to its vast mineral deposits.
Body
Mineral Resources in Chota Nagpur Plateau:
1. Coal:
Key coalfields: Jharia, Bokaro, Karanpura, Giridi, Ramgarh, Daltangunge, and Damodar Valley.
Contributes to approximately 74% of India’s coal production
Damodar Valley is considered the prime center for
coking coal in the country.
2. Iron Ore:
Major iron ore producing areas: Noamundi, Gua,Kolhan, Dharwar, Budabaru, etc.
Chota Nagpur Plateau accounts for nearly 40% of India’s total iron ore production.
3. Mica:
Largest producer of mica in India.
Major mica-producing centers: Kodarma, Domchanchi, Jhumri-Tilaiya, Giridhi.
Renowned for Kodarma’s world-famous Ruby Mica.
4. Bauxite:
Mined at Jojohati, Roroburu, and the Kolhan estate of Singbhum district.
Lohardaga is notable for bauxite deposits.
5. Copper:
Copper mining locations: Rakha, Masabni in Singbhum districts.
Other Minerals:
Dolomite: Found mainly in the Palamou district.
Limestone: Occurs in various regions such as Chaibasa, Jagnnathpur, Singbhum, and Hazaribagh.
Asbestos: Mined in Singhbhum district at Narda, Kalimati, Jojohati, and Roroburu.
Feldspar: Mined near Chrichaki, Bagardih, Bengro, Kubadih, and Hundru.
Kyanite: Mined in Singhbhum district.
Fire-clay: Mined in Rajhara and Latihar in the Palamou districts.
China-clay: Mined in Hat Gamaria and its neighboring region.
Manganese: Mined in Singhbhum district.
Gold: Extracted from the sands of the Subarnarekha River.
Conclusion
The plateau’s rich deposits of coal, iron ore, mica, bauxite, copper, and other minerals have provided the foundation for various industries, fostering economic growth and employment opportunities. These valuable resources continue to drive the industrial sector in the region, contributing to its overall development and prosperity.
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