Economic Geography

Mineral resources refer to naturally occurring substances found within the Earth’s crust that have economic value and are extracted for various industrial and societal purposes, such as metallic and non-metallic minerals. India boasts rich mineral reserves, with over 20,000 known deposits and recoverable reserves of more than 60 minerals. However, mine operations are heavily concentrated, with 11 states (Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Karnataka) hosting 90% of operational mines.

Distribution of Mineral Resources in India:

The distribution of mineral resources in India can be categorized into three major mineral belts:

• North-Eastern Plateau Region:
  • This region includes Chhota Nagpur in Jharkhand, the plateau areas of Odisha, parts of West Bengal, and a portion of Chhattisgarh.
  • It is known for its rich deposits of raw materials used in steel production, such as iron ore, coal, manganese, and bauxite.
  • Mica is also abundant in this region, contributing to the manufacturing industry.
  • The presence of these minerals has led to the establishment of numerous steel mills in the area.
• South-Western Plateau Region:
  • The states of Karnataka, Goa, the highlands of Tamil Nadu, and Kerala make up the southwestern plateau region.
  • This region is rich in bauxite and ferrous metals like iron ore and manganese.
  • Limestone is another significant mineral found in this region, supporting industries like cement production.
• North-Western Plateau Region:
  • The Aravalli Mountains in Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat, particularly areas with Dharwar rocks, form the northern western plateau region.
  • Valuable metals such as zinc and copper are abundant in this region.
  • Rajasthan is known for its ample reserves of sandstone, granite, and marble, making it a preferred destination for construction projects.
  • The Himalayan region in northern India also hosts minerals like copper, lead, zinc, cobalt, and tungsten.

Key Environmental Concerns with Which Mining Regions Grapple:

• Deforestation: Mining operations often lead to extensive deforestation, resulting in the clearance of forests for mining activities, which disrupts local ecosystems and reduces carbon sequestration capacity. For instance, in the state of Chhattisgarh, vast swathes of lush forests have been cleared to make way for coal mining.
• Landscape Damage: Mining alters the natural topography of an area, causing changes such as soil erosion, loss of natural habitats, and visual degradation, which impact the local environment and communities, as demonstrated by the Singhbhum region of Jharkhand.
• Air Pollution: Mining activities release a range of airborne pollutants, such as dust, particulate matter, and potentially harmful gases, which significantly degrade air quality and pose health risks to both human and animal populations in mining regions, as exemplified by the coal mining operations in Jharia, Jharkhand.
• Water Contamination: Mining runoff, which carries toxic chemicals and heavy metals, infiltrates nearby water bodies, contaminating both groundwater and surface water sources and thus, poses a threat to aquatic life as well as to the communities dependent on them. For instance, a study in the Western Ghats of Kerala highlighted the water pollution and adverse impacts on aquatic ecosystems resulting from mining activities.
• Biodiversity Loss: Mining operations often result in habitat destruction and fragmentation, displacing or destroying native flora and fauna, leading to a loss of biodiversity in affected regions and potentially threatening endangered species. For example, in the Western Ghats, mining activities have led to the decline of several critically important wildlife habitats, including the Myristica swamps unique to the region.
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Mining activities emit greenhouse gases through the use of fossil fuels for machinery and transportation, as well as from the release of methane from coal mines, contributing to global climate change and its associated impacts. India holds the third position in global emissions from coal mining, with estimated emissions of 22 MtCO2e in 2020 and projections to reach 45 MtCO2e by 2050.

India possesses vast and diverse mineral riches, concentrated in specific regions of the country. Nevertheless, the extraction of these resources frequently exacts a considerable environmental toll. Confronting these challenges requires a holistic approach that integrates responsible mining practices, robust regulatory measures, and sustainable resource management to safeguard the enduring welfare of both its natural ecosystems and its burgeoning economy.