Natural Resources of India | General Knowledge Encyclopedia - Class 8 PDF Download

Introduction

Resources in India are categorized as either biotic (derived from living organisms) or abiotic (derived from non-living sources) based on their origin. The country possesses a diverse range of both types of resources, and its economy, particularly in rural regions, heavily relies on their utilization or export. Unfortunately, due to excessive consumption, these resources are depleting rapidly.
As of 2020, India's total cultivable area was recorded as 155,369,076 hectares, accounting for approximately 52.3% of its total land area. However, this cultivable land is gradually diminishing due to factors such as over-farming, increased livestock grazing, deforestation, urban expansion, and extreme weather events. Regarding water resources, India possesses a total water surface area of 314,070 km².
India boasts significant mineral resources, including coal (ranked 4th largest reserves globally), iron ore, manganese ore (ranked 7th largest reserves globally as of 2013), lithium ore (ranked 6th largest reserves globally as of 2023), mica, bauxite (ranked 5th largest reserves globally as of 2013), chromite, natural gas, diamonds, limestone, and thorium.
Furthermore, India's oil reserves, mainly located in Bombay High off the coast of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and eastern Assam, can fulfill 25% of the country's oil demand.

Energy Reserves

Coal

• Coal mining in India originated in 1774 with the establishment of coal mines in the Raniganj Coalfield by the East India Company. The Raniganj Coalfield is situated along the western bank of the Damodar River in the Indian state of West Bengal. The expansion of coal mining in India gained momentum with the introduction of steam locomotives in 1853. Production escalated to millions of tonnes, reaching 30 million tonnes by 1946.
• Following India's independence, the National Coal Development Corporation was formed, and the railways owned collieries. Presently, India primarily utilizes coal in the power sector. Additionally, industries such as cement, fertilizer, chemicals, and paper heavily rely on coal as an energy source.

Oil

• As of April 1978, India's proven oil reserves were approximately 100 million tonnes, equivalent to 1 billion barrels, making it the second-largest in the Asia-Pacific region after China. The majority of these reserves are situated along the western coast, particularly in Mumbai High, and in the southeastern regions of the country. Additionally, there are considerable untapped reserves located in the offshore Bay of Bengal and the state of Rajasthan.
• Despite relatively steady production levels, India's rising oil consumption has resulted in a heavy reliance on imports to meet its demands. In 2010, the country produced an average of about 33.69 million tonnes of crude oil or 877 thousand barrels per day. During 2006, India's estimated oil consumption was about 2.63 million barrels per day.
• The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), a state-owned company, is India's largest oil company and plays a significant role in the country's downstream sector, accounting for approximately 1% of the oil output during 2023. To promote domestic oil production and exploration, the Indian government has introduced policies like the New Exploration License Policy (NELP) in 2000, allowing foreign companies to have 100% equity possession in oil and natural gas projects. However, only a few oil fields are currently controlled by foreign firms. While state-owned entities dominate India's downstream sector, private companies have been expanding their market share in recent years.

Natural gas

• According to the Ministry of Petroleum, Government of India, the country's confirmed natural gas reserves were reported to be 1,437 billion cubic meters (50.7 × 10¹² cubic feet) as of April 2010. A significant portion of India's natural gas production originates from offshore regions, particularly the Mumbai High complex. Additionally, onshore fields in states like Assam, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Gujarat are major contributors to natural gas production. In 2004, India produced 996 billion cubic feet (2.82 × 10¹⁰ cubic meters) of natural gas.
• India's natural gas consumption includes small imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG). In 2004, the country consumed about 1,089 × 10⁹ cubic feet (3.08 × 10¹⁰ cubic meters) of natural gas, resulting in the first year of net natural gas imports. During that period, India imported 93 × 10⁹ cubic feet (2.6 × 10⁹ cubic meters) of LNG from Qatar.
• Similar to the oil sector, state-owned companies play a significant role in India's natural gas production. ONGC and Oil India Limited are the leading companies in terms of production volume, while some foreign companies participate in upstream developments through joint-ventures and production sharing contracts. Reliance Industries, a privately owned Indian company, is also involved in the natural gas sector following a significant natural gas discovery in the Krishna Godavari basin in 2002.
• The Gas Authority of India Ltd. (GAIL) has a prominent position in natural gas transmission and allocation activities. In December 2006, the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas introduced a new policy allowing foreign investors, private domestic companies, and government oil companies to hold up to 100% equity stakes in pipeline projects. While GAIL's dominance in natural gas transmission and allocation is not mandated by law, its existing natural gas infrastructure ensures its continued leadership in the sector.

Nuclear

• Uranium:
  • In Nalgonda District, the Rajiv Gandhi Tiger Reserve, which is the only tiger project in Telangana, had to allocate over 3,000 square kilometers for uranium mining following a directive from the Central Ministry of Environment and Forests.
  • In 2007, India managed to extract 229 tonnes of U3O8 (uranium oxide) from its soil. Moreover, on 19th July 2011, Indian officials announced the discovery of the Tumalapalli mine in Andhra Pradesh, which is estimated to hold more than 170,000 tonnes of uranium, making it the world's largest uranium mine. Production of ore from this mine was expected to commence in 2012.
  • Recently, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) found that the upcoming Tumalapalli mine actually holds close to 49,000 tonnes of uranium reserves, three times more than the initial estimate, which can significantly contribute to India's nuclear power ambitions.
• Thorium:
  • As per the IAEA's 2005 report, India's reasonably assured reserves of thorium were estimated to be 319,000 tonnes, but there are reports mentioning reserves as high as 650,000 tonnes. A government estimate from August 2011 projected the recoverable thorium reserve at 846,477 tonnes.
  • According to the Indian Minister of State V. Narayanasamy's statement in May 2013, the country's thorium reserves were reported to be 11.93 million tonnes, with a significant majority (8.59 million tonnes; 72%) located in the three eastern coastal states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha. Both the IAEA and OECD indicate that India may possess the largest share of the world's thorium deposits.

Biotic resources

Biotic resources are derived from living and organic materials, encompassing forest products, wildlife, crops, and various other living organisms. The majority of these resources are renewable in nature as they can regenerate themselves. Fossil fuels, although originating from decayed organic matter, fall under the category of biotic resources. However, it is important to note that fossil fuels are non-renewable resources as they cannot be replenished once depleted.

Population

• India, having surpassed China in 2023, is now the world's most populous country. Although India's population growth has slowed, it is still projected to continue increasing and is expected to reach a peak of 1.7 billion people by 2064. As of 2023, India's replacement level fertility rate stands at 2, varying from 1.6 in states like Punjab and West Bengal to 3 in Bihar. The average age of India's population as of 2023 is 28.2 years.
• India's status as the world's most populous country is considered an asset for the nation. It strengthens India's claim for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council and is seen as advantageous for the country's economy. By 2031, India's working-age population is projected to reach 1 billion people, accounting for 23% of the world's working-age population growth between 2020 and 2025. The country's large and young labor force, which is lower-paid, English-speaking, digitally skilled, and entrepreneurial, makes it an attractive destination for Western corporations seeking to diversify their manufacturing centers away from China.

Forestry

• As of 2020, India ranked 10th in the world in terms of forest cover. Between 2010 and 2020, it was the country with the third-largest maximum average annual net gains in forest area, accounting for 2% of the global forest area. In 2021, India's total forest cover reached 80.9 million hectares, making up 24.62% of the country's land area. According to the India State of Forest Report of 2021, there was an increase of 2,261 square kilometers in forest cover from 2019 to 2021. Additionally, more than 33% of land in 17 states and union territories was covered by forests, as reported in the same study. Among the states, Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover area, while Mizoram boasts the highest percentage of forest cover relative to its total area.
• The Indian Forest Service is responsible for conservation and biodiversity protection in India's forests, which are governed by the National Forest Policy of 1988. India's forests encompass a variety of types, including moist and dry tropical, temperate, subtropical montane, alpine, and scrub forests. These forests play a crucial role in the country's economy, supporting the livelihoods of approximately 275 million people who rely on them for food, fuelwood, fodder, and other products. Non-timber forest products form the largest unorganized economic sector in the country, generating revenue exceeding $788 million. The raw materials sourced from India's forests are utilized in various industries, including processed foods, confectionery, pharmaceuticals, alternative medicine, cosmetics, perfumery, paper, and pulp manufacturing.

Fish

• As of 2020, India holds the second position in aquaculture and ranks third in fisheries production. The fisheries sector contributes approximately 1.07% to India's gross domestic product (GDP) and provides employment to around 145 million people as of 2020. According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, fish production has seen significant growth over the years, increasing from 7.52 lakh tonnes in the year 1950-51 to 125.90 lakh tonnes in the year 2018-19, marking a seventeen-fold increase. During the fiscal year 2021, India's fish production reached 14.73 million tonnes. Furthermore, from 2021 to 2022, India exported marine products worth $7.76 billion.
• India has a rich fishing and aquaculture heritage, dating back to ancient times. Aquaculture is practiced in both fresh water bodies and brackish water bodies. Indian rivers are home to over 400 species of fish, many of which hold economic significance. Varieties such as shrimp, sardines, mackerels, carangid, croakers, and others are abundantly available. Major fish species include carp, catfish, murrel, and weed fish.

Abiotic Resources

Abiotic resources are sourced from non-living and inorganic materials. Among these resources, some like water and air are renewable, capable of replenishing themselves. However, there are also non-renewable and exhaustible resources, such as minerals, which cannot be regenerated. Minerals are classified into various categories, including metallic, non-metallic, and minor minerals.

Metallic Minerals

Metallic minerals are minerals that contain one or more metallic elements and are found in naturally occurring, scarce concentrations called mineral deposits. India possesses a range of metallic minerals, including gold, cobalt, zinc, iron ore, manganese ore, bauxite, silver, lead, tin, copper, and chromite.

1. Chromite

• Chromite is a compound consisting of chromium and iron oxides, serving as the sole commercial source of chromium. As of 2022, India contributes to 20% of the global chromite production, ranking as the world's fourth-largest chromium producer, with a production of 4.2 million metric tonnes in the same year. 
• In 2010, India possessed 200 million tonnes of chromite resources, with Odisha holding 98% of the country's chromite deposits. Minor reserves are also found in Manipur, Nagaland, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. The mining of chromite is mainly carried out through open-cast methods.
• Chromium plays a vital role in enhancing the strength of alloys and exhibits resistance to corrosion, making it valuable for metallurgical applications. Additionally, its ability to endure sudden temperature changes makes it suitable for refractories. 
• Moreover, chromium finds applications in various chemical industries. In 2020, Tata Steel Mining, a subsidiary of Tata Steel, commenced chromite mining operations in Odisha.

2. Cobalt: Vedanta Limited became India's top cobalt producer after acquiring Nicomet in 2021.

3. Copper

• Copper has been utilized in India since ancient times. In 2022, the Archaeological Survey of India made a discovery of copper anthropomorphic figures and weapons that could potentially date back to 1600 to 2000 BC.
• Ancient texts like the Arthashastra contain information on copper mining and metallurgy. In India, copper is in high demand among various industries, including real estate, home appliance manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors such as electric vehicles, solar power, and wind turbines.
• As of 2019, India possesses around 2% of the world's copper reserves and contributes to 0.2% of global copper production. Although India does not have a significant number of copper mines, those present are mainly concentrated in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand. Within the copper industry, Sterlite Copper, Hindalco Industries, and Hindustan Copper are the prominent players in India.

4. Gold

• In 2020, India's gold production amounted to 1.6 tonnes. By 2022, the Reserve Bank of India held a total of 787.4 tonnes of gold reserves, ranking India as the world's 9th largest holder of gold reserves. 
• Additionally, India achieved the status of the world's 4th largest gold recycling country in the same year. Over time, India has expanded its organized gold refining capacity, growing from 300 tons in 2013 to approximately 1,800 tons in 2021. However, India's gold production accounts for only 0.75% of the total global gold production.
• As of 2022, the Hutti Gold Mine, situated in the Raichur district of Karnataka, remains the sole significant gold producer in the country.

5. Iron ore

• As of 2023, India holds the position of the world's fourth-largest exporter of iron ore. Furthermore, the country accounts for 9.2% of the global iron ore production as of the same year. In 2021, India's iron ore exports were valued at $4.2 billion. As of 2019, India possesses the world's seventh-largest iron ore reserves, amounting to 5.5 billion tonnes.
• Hematite and magnetite are the predominant iron ores found in India. Hematite is mainly found in states such as Orissa, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Goa, with minor occurrences in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. On the other hand, magnetite is primarily found in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu, with smaller amounts in Assam, Bihar, Goa, Jharkhand, Kerala, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, and Nagaland.
• Mining is carried out through the opencast method. The major applications of iron ore in India include manufacturing pig iron, sponge iron, and steel. It is also utilized in coal washeries, cement, and glass industries. NMDC is India's largest public sector iron ore producing company as of 2021, while Vedanta Limited leads as the country's largest private company in iron ore production and the second-largest producer overall in India as of 2023. Additionally, Tata Steel is another prominent private company engaged in iron ore mining.

6. Lithium

• In February 2023, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) made a significant discovery of 5.9 million metric tonnes of lithium in the Reasi District of Jammu, establishing India as the country with the 7th largest lithium resources in the world. Subsequently, in April 2023, the process for auctioning mining rights for the lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir commenced.
• Moreover, in 2021, lithium reserves of 1600 tonnes were also identified in Karnataka. Given the geological and topographical similarities between Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir, the GSI has planned to conduct lithium exploration in these regions between 2023 and 2024.

7. Manganese

• As of 2021, India ranks as the 7th largest manganese producer in the world, with a total output of 600,000 tonnes in 2021. The majority of the manganese produced in India is utilized in steel production. 
• Manganese deposits are found in various regions of the country, including Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. As of 2022, MOIL stands as India's largest producer of manganese ore, operating 11 mines in the country.

8. Nickel: In 2023, Vedanta Limited holds the distinction of being India's only producer of nickel. The vast majority of the country's nickel resources, approximately 93%, are located in the state of Odisha.

9. Silver

• In 2022, India ranks as the 11th largest producer of silver globally, contributing 3% to the world's total silver production. 
• The largest silver mine in India is the Sindesar Khurd Mine, situated in Rajasthan. Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) holds the distinction of being India's largest silver producer. Additionally, as of 2022, HZL is also recognized as the world's 5th largest producer of silver.

10. Zinc

• As of 2022, India possesses the 6th largest zinc reserves in the world. Historical evidence indicates that zinc production dates back to the 6th century BC in Rajasthan, with references to its medicinal uses found in the Charaka Samhita written between 300 and 500 AD. The mines in Zawar, Rajasthan, provide some of the oldest evidence of zinc mining in India, dating back to the 9th century.
• Zinc is extracted from various zinc ores, including sulfide, carbonate, silicate, and oxide ores. It finds extensive use in galvanization, batteries, electrical equipment, hardware, communication devices, musical instruments, and machinery. Additionally, it serves as a white pigment in paints.
• Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) is India's leading integrated producer of zinc and holds an 80% market share in primary zinc production within the country as of 2023. Moreover, HZL has become the second-largest integrated zinc producer in the world by the same year. Notably, Rampura Agucha, owned by HZL, stands as the world's largest underground zinc mine as of 2022.
• Rajasthan is home to India's five largest zinc mines, while smaller reserves are found in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra.

Non-Metallic Minerals

Non-metallic minerals are a category of minerals that do not produce new substances when subjected to melting. These minerals are typically found in association with sedimentary rocks. India boasts a variety of non-metallic minerals, including phosphorite, dolomite, gypsum, garnet, wollastonite, vermiculite, ochre, perlite, bentonite, asbestos, cadmium, felspar, soapstone, kaolin, sillimanite, limestone, diatomite, pyrophyllite, fluorite, vanadium, dunite, ilmenite, gallium, and zircon.

1. Garnet Group

• Garnet is a group of intricate silicate minerals with similar chemical compositions. There are three main groups within the garnet family - aluminum-garnet group, chromium-garnet group, and iron-garnet group. The aluminum-garnet group includes minerals like almandine, grossularite, pyrope, and spessartine. The iron-garnet group is represented by andradite, while the chromium-garnet group includes uvarovite. Garnet group minerals are found in various types of rocks.
• Garnet is a hard and chemically resistant substance, making it valuable for various applications. It is used as a semi-precious stone and finds uses in abrasives, sandblasting water filtration materials, and water jet cutting. Garnets can be found in several states in India, such as Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu. Additionally, garnets are present in beach sands in Kerala, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu. In 2007-08, India produced approximately 873,000 tonnes of garnet.

2. Wollastonite

• Wollastonite is a calcium meta-silicate mineral that typically appears in white color and forms bladed or needle-like crystals. As of 2010, India possessed around 16 million tonnes of wollastonite resources, with the major deposits located in Rajasthan's districts of Dungarpur, Pali, Sirohi, and Udaipur. Minor deposits can also be found in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
• The primary applications of wollastonite include its use in ceramic industries and metallurgical processes. It serves as a filler in various products such as wall tiles, paint, rubber, and plastic. India holds substantial reserves of wollastonite, and in 2011, the country's production reached 150,000 tons.
• Wollastonite is extracted through the opencast mining method. Additionally, it is employed as a substitute for short-fiber asbestos in brake linings. The Central Building Research Institute has conducted studies indicating that wollastonite can effectively replace chrysotile asbestos in cement products.

3. Sillimanite group

• Sillimanite, kyanite, and andalusite are a group of metamorphic minerals known as alumino-silicate polymorphs. They are formed under conditions of high pressure and high temperature. These minerals can be calcined to produce mullite, and they find their primary application as refractory materials used in various industries.
• As of 2010, India possessed significant resources of these minerals, with 66 million tonnes of sillimanite, 100 million tonnes of kyanite, and 18 million tonnes of andalusite. The major deposits are found in Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Assam. Some minor deposits can also be found in Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, and West Bengal. Additionally, granular sillimanite is present in beach sands of South India.
• Sillimanite refractory bricks derived from these minerals are commonly used in steel, glass, and petrochemical industries. In 2004, India's production of sillimanite reached 14,500 tonnes, while kyanite production was 6,200 tonnes.

4. Ilmenite

• Ilmenite is a compound comprising iron and titanium, characterized by its iron-black or steel-gray color. This non-toxic material finds applications in various biomedical substances. The Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology has developed an environmentally friendly technology for processing ilmenite.
• Apart from its biomedical uses, ilmenite is also utilized in the production of titanium dioxide pigment. In India, ilmenite deposits can be found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Orissa. The mining of ilmenite is carried out at locations such as Chavara, Chatrapur, Aluva, and Manavalakurichi, managed by the Indian Rare Earths Limited.
• As of 2013, India holds approximately 21% of the world's ilmenite reserves and contributes about 6% to the global production of this mineral.

5. Pyrophyllite

• Pyrophyllite is a hydrous alumino-silicate known for its chemical inertness, high melting point, and low electrical conductivity. This versatile mineral finds extensive applications in various industries, including refractories, foundry dressings, pesticides, ceramics, and rubber. It is primarily available as hydrothermal deposits.
• The physical and optical properties of pyrophyllite closely resemble talc, making it a suitable substitute in applications such as electrical insulators, sanitary-ware, and the glass industry. India possesses substantial reserves of pyrophyllite, estimated to be around 56 million tonnes as of 2010. 
• The majority of these resources are concentrated in Madhya Pradesh, particularly in the districts of Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, and Shivpuri. Additional deposits can also be found in Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. In 2010, India's production of pyrophyllite reached 1.5 million tonnes.

Minor minerals

• Minor minerals found in India include building stone, brick earth, quartzite, marble, granite, gravel, clay, and sand, which are predominantly used in construction projects. However, the mining of these minerals had a notable environmental impact over time, even in relatively small areas. The consequences included escalated water scarcity, detrimental effects on river beds, and adverse impacts on biodiversity.
• As a measure to mitigate these environmental concerns, starting from 2012, mining operations for these minor minerals are required to obtain clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests before proceeding. This regulatory step aims to ensure more sustainable and responsible mining practices to safeguard the environment and preserve natural resources.

1. Marble

• Marble is a type of metamorphosed limestone formed through a process of re-crystallization, resulting in various colors and textures. India boasts abundant deposits of marble found in numerous states across the country. 
• The use of marble in India dates back to ancient times when it was employed in the construction of temples, tombs, and palaces. In contemporary times, marble continues to be highly sought after for flooring in residential and commercial spaces due to its durability and water resistance.
• Economically significant marbles are found in regions such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. As of 2010, India possessed a substantial resource of 1931 million tonnes of marble, encompassing various grades. 
• Different types of marble available in the country include Calcite, Dolomitic, Siliceous Limestone, Serpentine, and Travertine marbles. Apart from its use in construction, marble finds applications in industries such as paint production and agricultural lime.