India’s mineral wealth underpins many Indian industries — from steel and cement to electronics and gemstones — and is spread across diverse geological regions. A compact, well-organized list makes it easier to see production patterns, regional strengths, and where specific minerals are mined.
There are 50 Minerals in India, ranging from Andalusite,Zircon. For each mineral you’ll find below Category,Top states & major mines (max 15 words),Production (t) (latest year), which makes quick comparisons and sourcing clearer — you’ll find below.
How current is the production data?
The production figures are presented as the latest available year from official sources; however, reporting lags and revisions are common, so check the table’s year column and any notes for updates or provisional figures before relying on them for decisions.
Can this list help me locate mines or suppliers?
Yes — the “Top states & major mines” column points to likely production centers and named operations, but use it as a starting point: verify ownership, contact details, and permits through state mining departments or company disclosures for commercial or research use.
Minerals in India
| Name | Category | Top states & major mines (max 15 words) | Production (t) (latest year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron Ore | Metallic | Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Jharkhand. Major mines in Barbil-Koira valley. | 290,000,000 |
| Bauxite | Metallic | Odisha, Gujarat, Jharkhand. Panchpatmali mine in Odisha is a major source. | 21,000,000 |
| Manganese Ore | Metallic | Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha. Balaghat mine in MP is the largest. | 3,180,000 |
| Chromite | Metallic | Odisha (over 95%). Sukinda valley is the main hub of chromite mining. | 3,800,000 |
| Copper | Metallic | Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand. Malanjkhand mine (MP) is the largest open-pit mine. | 125,000 |
| Lead | Metallic | Rajasthan (over 80%). Rampura-Agucha and Zawar mines are key producers. | 220,000 |
| Zinc | Metallic | Rajasthan. Rampura-Agucha is one of the world’s largest zinc mines. | 750,000 |
| Gold | Metallic | Karnataka (Hutti and Uti mines), Jharkhand. Minor production as a by-product. | 1.6 |
| Silver | Metallic | Rajasthan, Karnataka. Primarily a by-product of lead-zinc and gold mining. | 670 |
| Tin | Metallic | Chhattisgarh (placer deposits), Haryana. Very limited and concentrated resources. | 20,000 |
| Ilmenite | Minor | Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Kerala (beach sands). A major mineral of ‘Chavara’ deposit. | 2,800,000 |
| Rutile | Minor | Kerala, Odisha, Tamil Nadu (beach sands). Also found with Ilmenite. | 15,000 |
| Limestone | Non-metallic | Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh. Found in most states. | 400,000,000 |
| Mica | Non-metallic | Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand. Nellore mica belt in AP is famous. | 600 |
| Dolomite | Non-metallic | Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha. Used as a flux in steelmaking. | 7,500,000 |
| Gypsum | Non-metallic | Rajasthan (over 80%). Found extensively in the Thar desert. | 3,600,000 |
| Barytes | Non-metallic | Andhra Pradesh (over 90%). Mangampet deposit is the world’s largest single deposit. | 2,200,000 |
| Kaolin (China Clay) | Non-metallic | Gujarat, Rajasthan, Kerala. Major deposits found across the country. | 2,800,000 |
| Feldspar | Non-metallic | Rajasthan, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh. A common rock-forming mineral. | 1,400,000 |
| Quartz | Non-metallic | Rajasthan, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh. Found widely across India. | 500,000 |
| Silica Sand | Non-metallic | Telangana, Gujarat, Rajasthan. Found in riverbeds and coastal areas. | 3,000,000 |
| Magnesite | Non-metallic | Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Karnataka. Salem district in TN is a major hub. | 90,000 |
| Apatite | Non-metallic | West Bengal, Jharkhand. The main source of phosphorus in India. | 15,000 |
| Phosphorite (Rock Phosphate) | Non-metallic | Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh. Jhamarkotra mine in Rajasthan is the largest. | 1,400,000 |
| Kyanite | Non-metallic | Telangana, Karnataka, Jharkhand. Occurs in metamorphic rocks. | 4,000 |
| Sillimanite | Non-metallic | Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala (beach sands). A major constituent of beach sands. | 65,000 |
| Graphite | Non-metallic | Odisha, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu. Found in various metamorphic rocks. | 35,000 |
| Steatite (Talc) | Non-metallic | Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh. The softest known mineral. | 800,000 |
| Wollastonite | Non-metallic | Rajasthan (nearly 100%). Found almost exclusively in Sirohi and Dungarpur districts. | 130,000 |
| Bentonite | Non-metallic | Gujarat, Rajasthan. Formed from the alteration of volcanic ash. | 500,000 |
| Fuller’s Earth | Non-metallic | Rajasthan, Telangana. A non-swelling clay with bleaching properties. | 1,100,000 |
| Ochre | Non-metallic | Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh. A natural earth pigment containing iron oxide. | 1,700,000 |
| Fireclay | Non-metallic | Gujarat, Rajasthan, West Bengal. Found in association with coal seams. | 2,000,000 |
| Fluorite | Non-metallic | Gujarat (Ambadungar is the main source), Rajasthan. Mineral used as a flux. | 1,000 |
| Coal | Fuel | Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal. Raniganj and Jharia are historic fields. | 893,000,000 |
| Lignite | Fuel | Tamil Nadu (Neyveli), Gujarat, Rajasthan. A lower-grade brown coal. | 40,000,000 |
| Crude Petroleum | Fuel | Offshore (Mumbai High), Rajasthan, Gujarat, Assam. Digboi is India’s oldest oilfield. | 29,200,000 |
| Natural Gas | Fuel | Offshore (KG Basin, Mumbai High), Assam, Tripura. Found with or without petroleum. | 33,000,000,000 (cubic m) |
| Uranium | Fuel | Jharkhand (Jaduguda), Andhra Pradesh, Telangana. Production data is restricted. | 6,100 (Reserves) |
| Monazite | Minor | Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha (beach sands). A key strategic mineral. | 1,200,000 (Reserves) |
| Diamond | Gemstone | Madhya Pradesh (Panna). The only active diamond mine in India. | 28,000 (carats) |
| Garnet | Gemstone | Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha. Used as both a gemstone and an abrasive. | 500,000 (Abrasive) |
| Zircon | Minor | Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha (beach sands). Extracted from mineral sands. | 20,000 |
| Andalusite | Non-metallic | Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand. Minor production from metamorphic rocks. | 5,000 |
| Pyrites | Non-metallic | Bihar (Amjhore deposit). A sulfide mineral of iron. | 80,000 |
| Vermiculite | Non-metallic | Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka. A hydrous silicate mineral. | 12,000 |
| Pyrophyllite | Non-metallic | Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh. Similar in properties to talc. | 150,000 |
| Calcite | Non-metallic | Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh. A very common carbonate mineral. | 1,000,000 |
| Slate | Non-metallic | Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh. A fine-grained metamorphic rock. | 25,000 |
| Asbestos | Non-metallic | Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh (mining is now restricted/banned). A fibrous silicate mineral. | 0 |
Images and Descriptions
Iron Ore
The backbone of the steel industry, this ore is abundant in India. High-grade hematite and magnetite ores make India a top global producer and exporter of iron.
Bauxite
The primary ore of aluminum. India has huge reserves, primarily located on the East Coast. It’s essential for transportation, construction, and packaging industries due to its lightweight properties.
Manganese Ore
A critical element for steel and ferro-manganese alloy production. It improves the strength, toughness, and durability of steel. India is a leading global producer of manganese ore.
Chromite
The sole commercial source of chromium, used to make stainless steel and for chrome plating. Odisha holds a virtual monopoly on India’s chromite resources and production.
Copper
A vital metal for electrical wiring, electronics, and construction due to its high conductivity. India’s domestic production is insufficient, making imports necessary to meet demand.
Lead
Primarily extracted from galena ore, often found with zinc. It’s mainly used in batteries, especially for automobiles, as well as in pigments and radiation shielding.
Zinc
Extracted alongside lead, its main use is in galvanizing steel to prevent rust. It’s also crucial for making alloys like brass and for die-casting.
Gold
A precious metal used in jewelry, finance, and electronics. Production in India is very small, with the historic Kolar Gold Fields now closed. Most demand is met by imports.
Silver
A precious metal with industrial applications in electronics, solar panels, and medicine. Almost all of India’s silver is recovered during the processing of other ores.
Tin
Primarily used for solder and tin plating to prevent corrosion. India has very limited tin resources, with Chhattisgarh being the only state producing tin concentrate.
Ilmenite
A major source of titanium dioxide, a white pigment used in paints, plastics, and paper. It is abundantly found in the beach sands of southern India.
Rutile
A high-grade titanium ore, prized for producing titanium metal and high-quality pigments. It occurs naturally in the heavy mineral beach sands along India’s coastline.
Limestone
A sedimentary rock essential for manufacturing cement, steel, and chemicals. India’s vast reserves support its massive construction and infrastructure development sectors.
Mica
Valued for its perfect cleavage and insulating properties. India was once the world’s largest producer. It’s used in electronics, paints, and cosmetics.
Dolomite
A carbonate mineral similar to limestone but containing magnesium. It’s a key raw material for the iron and steel industry and also used in agriculture.
Gypsum
A soft sulfate mineral used to make plaster of Paris, fertilizers, and as a retarder in cement. Rajasthan is the undisputed leader in its production in India.
Barytes
A dense mineral of barium sulfate. Its primary use is as a weighting agent in drilling fluids for oil and gas exploration. Andhra Pradesh dominates global supply.
Kaolin (China Clay)
A soft white clay used in ceramics, paper, paints, and plastics. It acts as a filler and provides a glossy finish to paper.
Feldspar
A crucial raw material for the glass and ceramic industries. It acts as a flux, lowering the melting temperature of other materials during manufacturing.
Quartz
One of the most common minerals on Earth. It is a key ingredient in glassmaking, ceramics, and electronics (for its piezoelectric properties).
Silica Sand
A high-purity form of sand composed of quartz. It’s essential for making glass, for foundry casting, and in the production of silicon metal.
Magnesite
The primary source of magnesium. It is primarily used to produce refractory bricks for lining furnaces in the steel and cement industries.
Apatite
A group of phosphate minerals used extensively to produce phosphatic fertilizers. It is vital for agriculture to enhance crop yields.
Phosphorite (Rock Phosphate)
A sedimentary rock that is the primary commercial source of phosphorus for fertilizers and animal feed supplements. India imports a large quantity to meet its needs.
Kyanite
An aluminosilicate mineral prized for its ability to withstand high temperatures. It’s used to make high-quality refractories for industries like steel and glass.
Sillimanite
Like kyanite, it is a high-grade refractory mineral. It is used in manufacturing high-temperature ceramics, glass, and cement.
Graphite
A crystalline form of carbon. It is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity, used in pencils, lubricants, batteries, and steelmaking.
Steatite (Talc)
Also known as soapstone, it is widely used in cosmetics (talcum powder), plastics, paper, and ceramics. Rajasthan is the leading producer.
Wollastonite
A calcium silicate mineral valued for its needle-like shape. It’s used as a reinforcement filler in plastics and ceramics to improve strength and reduce cracking.
Bentonite
An absorbent clay known for its swelling properties. It’s used in drilling mud, foundry applications, and as a purifying agent for oils and wines.
Fuller’s Earth
A type of clay renowned for its ability to decolorize oil and other liquids. It is widely used in cosmetics, industrial filters, and as an absorbent.
Ochre
A natural clay pigment that produces colors like yellow, red, and brown. It has been used since prehistoric times in paints and as a coloring agent in cement.
Fireclay
A type of clay that can withstand very high temperatures. It’s essential for making refractory bricks used to line furnaces, kilns, and reactors.
Fluorite
The mineral form of calcium fluoride. It’s a critical flux in steelmaking and aluminum smelting and is also used to produce hydrofluoric acid.
Coal
India’s primary source of energy, fueling power plants and industries. It is a sedimentary rock rich in carbon. India has the fourth-largest coal reserves in the world.
Lignite
A soft, brownish coal with lower energy content than black coal. It is a crucial fuel for power generation in states like Tamil Nadu.
Crude Petroleum
A fossil fuel that is refined into petrol, diesel, and other products. Domestic production meets only a fraction of India’s needs, making it a major import.
Natural Gas
A clean-burning fossil fuel used for power generation, heating, and as a feedstock for fertilizers. India is working to expand its gas infrastructure.
Uranium
A radioactive element that is the main fuel for nuclear power plants. Its mining and processing are controlled by the government for strategic reasons.
Monazite
A reddish-brown phosphate mineral found in beach sands. It is the primary source of thorium, rare earth elements, and uranium, making it strategically important for India.
Diamond
The hardest known natural substance, prized as a gemstone. India was the original source of diamonds for the world, though current production is minimal.
Garnet
A group of silicate minerals found in various colors. While some are used as gemstones, the majority is used as an abrasive for water-jet cutting and sandblasting.
Zircon
A silicate mineral recovered from beach sands. It is used in the ceramics industry to make materials opaque and in high-temperature refractory applications.
Andalusite
An aluminosilicate mineral, part of the same group as kyanite and sillimanite. It is used in the manufacture of high-temperature refractories and ceramics.
Pyrites
Often called “fool’s gold,” it is a source of sulfur for producing sulfuric acid, which is vital for the fertilizer industry.
Vermiculite
A mica-like mineral that expands significantly when heated. This exfoliated form is used in horticulture for soil aeration and in lightweight construction materials.
Pyrophyllite
A soft mineral very similar to talc. It is used in ceramics, refractories, and as a filler in paints and plastics, valued for its thermal stability.
Calcite
The primary constituent of limestone and marble. In its pure form, it is used in paints, plastics, and as a dietary calcium supplement.
Slate
A rock that splits into thin, smooth sheets. It is widely used for roofing, flooring, and decorative purposes due to its durability and appearance.
Asbestos
A group of fibrous minerals known for their heat resistance. Its use is now heavily restricted due to severe health risks, and mining has ceased.
