Karnataka: Minerals | KPSC KAS Preparation: All subjects - KPSC KAS (Karnataka) PDF Download

Karnataka: The State Rich in Minerals

Karnataka is rich in mineral resources and is considered one of the most mineral-rich states in India. The mineral belt spans an area of 1.92 lakh sq.km, covering 29 districts across the state. Karnataka also possesses a green stone belt containing valuable minerals such as gold, silver, copper, iron ore, manganese, limestone, dolomite, asbestos, bauxite, chromite, kaolin, and granite rock.
The primary minerals found in Karnataka are listed below:

Gold

• The Kolar Gold Fields in Kolar were once among India's major gold producers before they closed. Currently, the gold mines at Hutti and Raichur produce nearly 84% of the country's gold. 
• Other significant gold mining centers include Dharwad and Chitradurga. The gold mines yield about 3,000 kg of gold annually. Raichur is also known for its silver deposits.

Iron Ore

• Karnataka possesses over 9,000 million tonnes of iron ore resources, primarily in the form of magnetite. In the year 2007-08, production exceeded 47 million tonnes. 
• Bellary and Hospet are the main districts for iron ore production, with Chitradurga, Bagalkot, and Tumkur also contributing significantly. Much of the iron ore is exported for use in steel manufacturing and in pig iron and sponge iron plants.

Limestone

• Limestone is another vital mineral in Karnataka, with estimated reserves of 51,000 million tonnes, the largest in India. The districts of Gulbarga, Bagalkot, Belgaum, Shimoga, and other Uttara Kannada districts have extensive high-grade limestone deposits. 
• The current production, consistently around 14 million tonnes, supports the cement plants in these districts.

Granite

• Karnataka has vast granite deposits, which have given the state international recognition. Mysore is renowned for its black granite, while Bellary and Raichur are known for their pink granite. 
• Pink granite is also quarried in Uduvagere and Managalli in Magadi taluk of Bangalore district, and in Deodurg, Mundargi, Masarkal, Savanthagal in Deodurg taluk, and in Bijapur.

Felsite

• Karnataka is the only state in India where felsite is produced. 
• Large occurrences of felsite rocks have been reported in Kirangur, Hosahalli, and Srirangapatnam in Mysore. 
• These rocks are typically grey or pink in color, or a combination of both.

Manganese Ore

• Karnataka has the largest recoverable reserves of manganese ore in the country. 
• It is primarily found in the Chitradurga district, with other occurrences in Shimoga, North Kanara, Bellary, and Mysore districts.

Other Minerals in Karnataka

• In addition to its major minerals, Karnataka also has deposits of Chromite, Dolomite, and Bauxite. Chromite is found in altered ultrabasic rocks across the districts of Chikmagalur, Chitradurga, Hassan, Mysore, and Shimoga. Dolomite deposits are present in several locations, with a potential reserve of 1,112 million tonnes in the Belgaum and Bijapur districts. Bauxite is located in the Chikmagalur district.
• Karnataka is one of the few Indian states to have established a forward-thinking mineral policy as early as 2000. This policy is noted for its transparency in granting mineral concessions, the use of modern mining techniques, and its focus on value addition and sustainability.