Odisha holds a significant position in India’s mineral wealth, being recognized as the country’s Mineral Heartland. The Economic Survey 2017-18 positioned Odisha first in mineral output value. This region, situated in the Peninsular Plateau, produced 285.26 million tonnes of minerals in 2016-17.
Learning Outcomes:
Understand Odisha’s rich mineral reserves and their geological grouping.
Identify the classifications of minerals found in Odisha.
Examine key metallic and non-metallic minerals and their distribution across the state.
Review government initiatives for the development and regulation of mineral resources in Odisha.
Minerals Found in Odisha
Odisha’s geological diversity has led to a wealth of mineral deposits. Its mineral distribution can be classified based on geological formations:
Archean Sedimentary: Iron ore, building stone, manganese ore, quartzite, slate, ochre.
Granite Gneiss: China clay, building stone, road metal.
Laterite Soil: Building stone, bauxite, iron ore, manganese ore, ochre.
Alluvium Soil: Kankar, brick and potter’s clay, sand, gold, iron ore, manganese ore.
Classification of Minerals
Minerals in Odisha fall under two broad categories:
1. Metals
Ferrous Minerals: Iron ore, manganese ore, chromite, nickel, magnetite.
Non-Ferrous Minerals: Gold, platinum, tin ore.
2. Non-Metals
Minerals: Bauxite, coal, China clay, fire clay, graphite, limestone, dolomite, kyanite, sillimanite, pyrophyllite, and mineral sands.
Metals in Odisha
Odisha is a key producer of several metallic minerals, holding notable reserves and production rankings in India.
1. Iron Ore
Discovery: First discovered in 1904 in the Mayurbhanj district by PN Bose.
Reserves: Holds 35% of India’s iron ore reserves, mainly in hematitic form.
Production: Ranks second in iron ore production in India.
Locations: Found in five district zones, including Bonai-Keonjhar, Gandhamardan (Bargarh), Tomka-Daitari (Jajpur), Gorumahisani-Badampahar (Mayurbhanj), and Hirapur (Nabarangpur).
2. Manganese Ore
Reserves: Accounts for 45% of India’s manganese ore reserves.
Main Regions: Bonai (Keonjhar district), South Odisha (Koraput-Kalahandi-Balangir), and Gangapur area.
3. Chromite
Significance: Indispensable for industrial applications.
Reserves: Holds 96% of India’s chromite reserves.
Locations: Jajpur (Sukinda), Keonjhar (Boula-Nuasahi), and Dhenkanal (Katpal).
4. Nickel Ore
Uses: Manufacturing of alloys, steel, and chemical industries.
Reserves: 92% of India’s nickel reserves.
Major Areas: Sukinda valley, Kansa sector, and Simlipal Ultramafic in Jajpur and Mayurbhanj districts.
5. Magnetite
Forms: Vanadiferrous and titaniferrous.
Deposits: Found in five belts, including Bisoi-Rairangpur, Bisoi-Joshipur, Baripada-Podadiha, Rangamatia, and Nuasahi-Boula.
6. Base Metals
Types: Copper and lead ores.
Regions: Sargipali belt (Sundargarh), Kesarpur (Mayurbhanj), and Adarsh (Sambalpur).
7. Gold and Platinum
Gold: Found in Mahanadi river valley and Subarnarekha riverbed.
Platinum: Discovered in Bhubana-Barapada (Dhenkanal and Keonjhar) with metal content up to 520 grams/tonne.
8. Tin Ore
Main Source: Malkangiri district, lesser quantities in Boudh district.
Non-Metals in Odisha
The state is also rich in non-metallic minerals contributing significantly to industries and production.
1. Bauxite Ore
Significance: Main source of aluminium.
Reserves: 52.5% of India’s bauxite reserves.
Major Districts: Bolangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Keonjhar, Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, and Sundargarh.
2. Coal
Deposits: Occur in Brahmani and Mahanadi valleys (Ib valley).
Reserves: 24.57% of India’s coal reserves.
Key Coalfields: Talcher (Brahmani valley), Mahanadi valley (Ib valley), Rampur-Hingir.
3. China Clay
Location: Found in Singhbhum-Mayurbhanj Granite belt, Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Koraput, Sundargarh, and Dhenkanal districts.