Introduction:
India’s diverse non-metallic mineral reservoirs play a pivotal role in fostering economic growth and infrastructure development across the nation. The 2019 National Mineral Policy reflects India’s commitment to sustainable mining practices, sectoral rejuvenation, and enhanced mineral production.
Body:
Geographical Distribution of India’s Key Non-Metallic Minerals: India’s non-metallic minerals exhibit disparate geographical concentrations:
- Coal: Prominent coal reserves are situated in states like Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal.
- Limestone: Abundant in Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, limestone serves as a vital raw material for various industries.
- Phosphates: Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are primary regions with significant phosphatic reserves crucial for fertilizers.
- Salt: Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra’s coastal areas are major contributors to salt production.
- Potash: Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are key states for potash production.
- Silica Sand: Found in coastal states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, silica sand caters to the glass and ceramics industries.
- Gypsum: Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat possess substantial gypsum deposits utilized in cement and plaster industries.
- Mica: Jharkhand and Bihar are major sources of mica production.
- Bauxite: Odisha, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh host bauxite reserves crucial for aluminum production.
The 2019 National Mineral Policy:
Revitalizing the Mining Sector:
- Streamlined Approval Processes: The policy introduces the Mining Tenement System (MTS) to simplify online lease applications, enhancing transparency and efficiency.
- Auction of Mineral Blocks: Encouraging mineral block auctions, particularly ‘Commercial Coal Mining,’ attracts private sector investments, fostering growth.
Increasing Output:
- Exploration Promotion: The National Mineral Exploration Trust incentivizes exploration, leading to discoveries such as gold in Uttar Pradesh’s Sonbhadra.
- Diversification: The policy expands beyond coal and iron ore, promoting exploration for critical minerals like lithium for the electric vehicle industry.
Emphasizing Responsible and Sustainable Mining:
- Environmental & Social Considerations: Addressing ecological and social concerns, the policy advocates responsible practices and community welfare.
- Technology Integration: The policy incorporates advanced technologies like Geographic Information System (GIS) for resource management and satellite-based tracking for compliance monitoring.
- Eco-friendly Practices: Supporting eco-friendly mining, including reclamation and afforestation, ensures sustainable land use.
- District Mineral Foundations: These foundations allocate mining royalties to local welfare and development projects, addressing socio-economic impacts.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the 2019 National Mineral Policy invigorates India’s mining sector through responsible practices, heightened production, and equitable community development. Emphasizing transparency, resource efficiency, and environmental protection fosters balanced growth, safeguarding both resources and communities.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
