MINERAL RESOURCES OF CHHATTISGARH

Chhattisgarh is the richest State in terms of mineral wealth, with 28 varieties of major
minerals, including diamonds.

Chhattisgarh, alongwith two other Indian States has almost all the coal deposits in India,
which has led to its 'power hub' strategy. All the tin ore in India is in Chhattisgarh. A fifth of
iron ore in the country is here, and one of the best quality iron ore deposits in the world is
found in the Bailadila mines in south Chhattisgarh, from where it is exported to Japan. Rich
deposits of Bauxite, Limestone, Dolomite and Corundum are found in the State.The State is
lucky to have large deposits of coal, iron ore and limestone in close proximity, making it the
ideal location for the lowest cost of production.

There is great scope for private participation in the mining sector in Chhattisgarh. The
State’s Mineral Policy, 2001 has created a conducive business environment to attract private
investment in the State, both domestic and international. Procedures have been simplified
and there is complete transparency in decision-making. The added advantage is availability
of large technically qualified human resources, having trained in tailormade programmes in
geology, geophysics, geochemistry, mineral beneficiation, mining engineering and
environmental science. The State is ensuring a minimum lease area with secured land rights
so that investors can safely commit large resources to mining projects. For surmounting the
long-drawn out process of getting mineral-related leases, at the State level, quick processing
of applications is given top priority. For major minerals under the Mines & Minerals
(Development & Regulation) Act, where approvals are required from Government of India,
the State Government would help in strong advocacy to get such approvals quickly.

The State is also encouraging establishment of a Gems and Jewellery Park to attract new
investment in the sector.Chhattisgarh has the right geological set up to host a number of
economic mineral deposits. It comprises parts of the Bastar and Singhbhum cratons, that are
surrounded by the Middle Proterozoic circum mobile belts and major rifts.

The other intra-cratonic supra-crustal belts include rocks of the Middle to Upper Proterozoic,
Carboniferous, Permian, Cretaceous and sub-Recent to Recent periods. The area has
observed multiple major tectonic and thermal events of various episodes. The rock types of
principal metallogenic and mineralogenic episodes are prevailing in the State, which
confirms the high potential for the search of new mineral deposits. Simply put, such
geological environment is conducive for the formation of various mineral deposits of
excellence.

Placer diamonds in the State led to the discovery of proterozoic diamondiferous kimberlites
in Mainpur, Raipur district, which invited global attention. Further kimberlite discoveries in
Tokapal, Bastar have added another potential diamond field. Incidence of diamonds is also
known from Ib river in Raigarh district. It seems that in the non-coal areas, Chhattisgarh is
nestling atop the world’s largest kimberlite area. Eight blocks have been demarcated for
diamond exploration in the State, and are on offer. Eight international companies have
already applied for reconnaissance permits for diamond, base metal and gold deposits.
Chhattisgarh's potential diamond mines would emerge in the top bracket of the select group
of 22 economical diamond mines in the world, once full production starts.

Apart from diamond, four blocks of gold exploration and five blocks for base metal
investigation have been demarcated. Deposits of Alexandrite, one of the rarest gemstones,
are found in Deobhog area of Raipur. Workable deposits of Corundum are widespread in
South Chhattisgarh. Corundum includes semi-precious varieties of Ruby and Blue Sapphire,
and possibilities of finding precious varieties exist as well. Other semi-precious minerals like
Beryl, Garnet, Amethyst and Rock Crystal are found in other parts of the State.

A few major mineral deposits are: (all figures in million tonnes)

Coal : 35000
Iron ore : 2336
* Lime stone : 3580
* Dolomite : 606
* Bauxite : 96
* Cassiterite : 29

KORBA

COAL

Korba is one of the major Mineral source of Chhattisgarh and this district share more than
half of State's total income form mineral resources. Korba is one fo the largest treasure of
coal in India. In addition to coal, Korba is rich with other minerals like Lime Stone, fire
Clay, Other Building Meterials etc. Gavra Project is largest Opencast Mine in India. It shares
more than 11% of total coal production of our country.

Coal has been the basis for the development of Korba. The reserves of coal found in this area
are responsible for the establishment of world reknowned collieries and power stations. Coal
is present in all the important streams that are found in the highlands north of Korba and
Uproda area (North of 22*45" latitude). The coal deposits contain. It is estimated that coal
reserves are spread over an area of 155 Sq. KM. At some places, there are solid layers of
sand stone above the layers of coal, which enables, underground mining. Apart from open
cast mining, under-ground mining is also carried out at Korba. It has been found from the
surveys carried out that the coal found in this area can be classified as 'A' category coke ( 'B',
'C' and 'F' Grades). The coal deposits found in this area are comparatively free from stones
and rocks.

The Qualitative Analysis found in this area is as below

Moisture : 04.5 to 07.4%

Volatile Matter : 27.9 to 39.2%

Fixed Carbon : 34.1 to 47.7%

Ash content : 11.2 to 31.6%

Jatraj Mine
The main deposit of coal in this area is found at Jatraj, which is to the South of Korba city. It
contains 36.3 Mtr. width layer of coal. Another layer of coal of 21.2 Mtr. width is found just
below this layer at about 15.24 Mtr. below.

Kanveri Mine
The second largest deposit of coal is found near Kanveri, which is situated on the Southern
banks of River Hasdeo. This reserve is about 19.8 Mtr. wide.

Manikpur Mines
Apart from this, two layers of coal are found at Manikpur, which is located on the left bank
of River Hasdeo.

Details of the Coal Mines in Korba

Area Sub Area Name of Mine Lease Area Grade Status
(Hec.)
Korba Korba Korba 1709.480 Idle
Surakachhar Surakachhar 4957.894B-C Running
Banki
Balgi
Rajgamar Rajgamar 3486.577B Running
Pavan
Manikpur Manikpure 2105.021F Running
Dhelwadih Dhelwadih 1176.112B-C Running
Sinkhali
Bagdeva 581.189B-C Running
Kushumunda Kushumunda 1604.080F Running
Laxman 525.770F Running
Gavra Gavra 2340.378E-F Running
Dipka 1399.000E-F Running

BAUXITE

Bauxite, different from laterite was first found in Korba District at the peaks of Phutka
Pahad. The Phutka Pahad is situated in the borders of previous Churi Zamindari area, which
is to the east of Uproda Zamindari. Laterite, which is found at a height 965 meters in the
Phutka Pahad. In which the alumina percentage is more and it can be classified as brown and
pink pesolite bauxite.

The bauxite found here also contains Titanium. The above type of bauxite was formed from
the Deccan Basalt Lava. Other local varieties of bauxite and boulders are found in the Ladai
Hills, Mahadev Hills and Janata Hills. The good variety of pisolite bauxite is found in the
Ponkhara Hill, Ranaikhet Hills and peaks of Gour Dulari, Karela. This variety is much better
than the variety of bauxite found at Phutka Pahad. The speciality of the bauxite found at
Korba is that it contain less than 3% silica. It contained 55% alumina, 8 to 10% litania and 4
to 8% iron ore.

Granite

Pink preformatted granite is found in village Chaitma, near the Head Quarters of Katghora
Tehsil. This mineral is used as raw material in the construction of roads and buildings.

Fire Resistant Clay

Large reserves of fire resistant clay are found in Uprodha area and Coal Belts of Korba area.
Fellspar, which is found in niceo and granite in some places near katghora has
metamorphosed largely to Kavalin. Due to this, small pockets of Chikni Mitti have been
formed. It is mined in small quantity by the local people. They used it for white washing and
other local uses.

MAHASAMUND

Geological structure of the district

From granite rocks of the Archean period to stratified rocks of Cuddupah group of Upper
Cambrian age are and alluvial soil and sand of recent age are found in abundance in the
district. Also found in this region are Neo-granite, Dolerite and Quartz in intrusive forms.

Granite rocks can be found in the Bagbahra, Basna and Pithore region. Lime stone rocks of
Chhattisgarh group contemporary to Cuddapah group of Upper Pre-Cambrian age and
comprising of Lime Stone layers, Shale, Sand Stone or Quartzite can be predominantly
found. Hence there is a great scope of intense mining activity.

Mineral Resources:

Important deposits found in this region are Gold, Tin ore, Lead ore, Fluorite, Beryl, Granite
and Lime Stone rocks. Till date the economic viability of their extractions are yet to
established. Several small-scale industries are in operation that makes multifarious uses of
lime stone.
Abundant scope of Granite based industries exists.

Name of the mineral Area where found

Villages of Dimauguda - Rahatikhole and the
Gold and Tin
base of Mundha hills in Saraipali block
 Bijarabhata - Salhetarai region of Basna block
Lead ore
and Villages of Rampur of Pithore block.
Villages Cheurakuta, Makarmutta and
Fluorite
Ghatkachhar of Saraipali block.
Beryl Saraipali region.
Granite Bagbahra, Pithora and Basna blocks
Villages Ghodari- Birkoni and adjoining areas
Lime stone
of river Mahanadi.

DURG

Durg District occupies a place of significance in respect of mineral resources. Important

minerals occurring in the district include iron ore, limestone, dolomite and quartzite.

IRON ORE
Iron ore occurs in Dalli-Rajahara area. The deposit is about 85 Km's. South of Durg railway
station of Raipur-Nagpur section of south Eastern Railway. The area is represented by
banded hematite quartzite. The ore bodies occur in the form of lenticular masses of different
sizes .Reserve of about 164 million tonnes of iron ore has been estimated. Based on the
deposit, M/s Steel Authority of India Ltd. have established an integrated iron and steel plant
at Bhilai. Annual capacity of the plants is 40 lakh tonnes. Average analysis of iron ore is as
follows.

Fe &n Mn SiO2 S
66.34% 0.15% 1.44% 0.10%
.

LIMESTONE
Nearly 881 million tonnes of limestone is available in Durg district,which is about 9.5% of
the total limestone reserve of the State. Important deposits of limestone occur in Nandini,
Patharia, Semaria, Meresara, Achholi, Matragota and Ghotwani areas. Based on the
limestone deposit of Nandini, Patharia area, M/s A.C.C. Ltd. have established a major
cement plant with annual production capacity of 15.80 lakh tonnes. A part of Nandini
deposit is of B.F. grade and being used in Bhilai Steel Plant. Limestone deposits of Semaria.
Achholi and Matragota areas are mostly cement grade and may support major cement plants.
Average chemical analysis of limestone is as follows.

CaO MgO SiO2 LOI

48.13% 1.47% 9.80% 38.82%

DOLOMITE
Dolomite occurs in Mohbhatta, Kodwa area. The dolomite occurring in the area is of
massive nature. Reserve of 28 million tonnes has been estimated with following average
analysis.

CaO MgO AI
30% (Minimum) 20% (Minimum) 5% (Maximum)

A part of Mohbatta deposit is being worked under Private Sector. The material is supplied to
the Bhilai Steel Plant.

QUARTZITE
Quartzite occurs in Danitola area. Quartzite is white, even grained and hard. The grains are
subangular and are cemented by white siliceous matrix.

The Directorate of Geology and Mining, M.P. has carried out detailed investigation of
quartzite occurring in Danitola area and have estimated reserve of 20 million tonnes. The
quartzite of the area shows an average 92.19% SiO2 and Fe2O3. The deposits is being
worked by M/s Bhilai Steel Plant and Private lease holders for supply to the Bhilai Steel
Plant.

Apart from these four minerals their are other minerals also available in Durg District such
as Runner Sand, Molding Sand, White Clay, Soap Stone, Sand, Stone, Flag Stone, Murum.
These mineral also contribute a substantial part in revenue from District.

MINERAL WISE DETAILS

Mineral Place Reserve Area

164 Million
IRON ORE Dalli Rajhara 2732.62 Hectares
Tonnes
198 Million
Nandini
Tonnes
35.17 Million
Meresara
Tonnes
Semaria 80 Million Tonnes
LIMESTONE 335.539 Hectares
Achholi 80 Million Tonnes
21.04 Million
Ghotwani
Tonnes
87.46 Million
Matragota
Tonnes
DOLOMITE Kodwa Mohbhatta 28 Million Tonnes 139.904 Hectares
QUARTZITE Danitola 20 Million Tonnes 33.317 Hectares
Kumahari/Amri/
MOULDING SAND N.A 24.80 Hectares
Karhdeeh/Thanaud

DANTEWADA

District Dantewada is enriched with precious mines / minerals in abundant quantity. A short
list of important mines / minerals that are found in the district are :-

1 Iron Ore Iron Ore is available in Bailadila area in heavy quantity. Bailadila Iron Ore deposit is
renowned in the world for both its quantity as well as quality. The Iron percentage in the
Ore is between 60 to 68, which makes Bailadila one among the world's top quality Iron
Ore. There are 14 deposits of Iron Ore with an approximate quantity of 3000 Lakh
Tonnes. National Mineral Development Corporation Limited, is involved in the mining
related activities of these Iron Deposits.

Bailadila also holds an estimated quantity of 680 Lac Tonnes of "Blue Dust",
Petetoigation Plant is under consideration of NMDC .
2 Tin Ore Tin Ore deposits are found at various places in the district like, Tongpal, Govindpal,
Chintalnar,Kikirpal,Nerli,Lakharas,Bade Kameli Etc. 3237 Tone Tin Ore deposits have
been confirmed so far, similarly 500 Tonne Tin Ore deposits are estimated in Bacheli and
Padharpur areas.
3 Corundum Mining department has confirmed an approximate deposit of 25 Tonne of Corundum at
Dhangol & Kuchanur of Bhopalpatnam Tehasil . Apart from these deposits Higher Grade
quality of Corundum is identified at different villages of Bijapur Tehasils such as Sendra,
Usur, Cherapalli etc. In the recent investigations by Mining department a 500 Tonne
industrial grade deposit of Corundum has also been discovered in Sukma region.
4 Granite Different colored deposits of Granite is detected by the Mining department in Konta
Region of the district. The quality of the deposit is estimated to be of around 3000 Lakh
Tonne Cubic Meters.
5 Lapidolite Lapidolite a mine used in preparation of Lithium / Lithium Carbonate, is found in areas
such as Govindpalli, Mundwal of Tehasil Konta. These deposits are estimated to be of
3456 Tonne in quantity by the Mining Department.
6 Marble An approximated deposit of around 800 Lakh Tonne of Marble, which can be used as
shaped stone is identified at Sukma area of Konta Tehasil.
7 Siliminite/ Existance of a heavy deposit of Siliminite/Kaynite has been unearthed by the Mining
Kaynite Department, at Kerapal & Koyavekur of Tehasil Konta.
 RAIPUR

Mineral Dev.Block Village Grade Reserve

(Miilion
Tonnes)
Lime Stone Dharsiwa Mandhar,Matiya,Dondekalan etc. Cement grade 32
Tilda Bahesar -do- 54
Dharsiwa Mansa, Puani, Siliyari -do- 17
Siliyari, Tarra, Pathari, Khudmudi -do- 48
Bhatapara Jhipan, Rawan, Pendri, Ameri -do- 148
Simga Hirmi, Saklor, Parswani -do- 149
Karhichandi -do- 80
Semradih, Mohra -do- 70
Phrhada -do- 6
Khelwari -do- 3
Bhatapara Rawan, Pausari, Kukurdi -do- 134
Balodabazar Sonadih, Rasera, Raseri -do- 160
Gaitara -do- 119
Maldimopar -do- 300
Shuklabhata -do- 150
Bhatapara Chichpol -do- 11
Amilidih -do- 12
Shishupal Mised grade Small deposit
Bhanjhiapal Low grade Small deposit
Gold Kasdol Sonakhan, Bagmara 3grm/tonne 2780 Kgs.
Diamond Mainpur Beheradih, Payalikhand Gem/off color Not estimated
industrial
Alexandrite Deobhog Sandmura Gem Not estimated
Garnet Deobhog Gohekala, Dhupkot, Thirliguda Semi precious 16 tonnes
Dolomite Bhatapara Dhaneli BF/SMS 5.01
Tikulia, Gandadih BF/SMS 14
Flag Stone Rajim Banks of Mahanadi Low grade Small deposits

Major Cement Industries

Name Location Product Capacity

M/S. Century Cement Pvt Baikunth 1 Ordinary Portland 12 lakh tonnes
Ltd. cement
2 Portland pozzolana
cement
 Name Location Product Capacity
M/S. Modi Rubber Ltd. Rawan Portland cement 15.46 lakh tonnes
M/S Tata Iron & Steel Co. Sonadih Portland Cement 14.3 lakh tonnes
Ltd
M/S. Ultra Tech Ltd. Hirmi Portland Cement 17.5 lakh tonnes

BASTAR

Bastar District is rich in mineral resources. Among these, the main minerals are Lime stone,
Dolomite,Bauxite and Dimonds.

Lime Stone

The Lime stone is available in Deverapal, PotanarLaroji,Raikot and Manjhi Dongri of

Bastar district. In Devarapal ,it has been certified that there is an availability of 190 lakh
tonnes (approx.) of Lime Stone which can be used for making cement.Because of this huge
quantity of lime stone two small scale cement industries were established. In Potanar Laroji
220 Lakh tonnes, In Raikot 160 tonnes and in Manjhi Dongri 1200 Lakh tonnes of Lime
Stone are available. The quality of the Lime Stone available in Raikot,is of very good quality
and can be used in Iron and steel industries in the form flux.

Dolomite

The dolomite mineral has been found in Tiriya-Machkot area. After completing the
survey, it has been certified that 450 lakh tonnes of Dolomite is available and out of this it
was found that 170 lakh tonnes are of high quality which can be used in iron and steel
industries.

Diamond

Recently it has been found that in Tokapal region , a little quantity of diamonds are available
in the form of Kimberlite pipe. Still the survey is going on by Indo-German project.

Bauxite

The Mineral Bauxite is abundantly found in Keshkal tehsil of Bastar district. The large
quantity of this mineral is available in Bandhanpara,Kudarwahi, Chotbera and Budhiyarmati
villages.

After survey and analyzing, it has been found that approximately 53 lakh tonnes of Bauxite
is available from these areas.Based on this availability of minerals,three small plants have
been established for Calcination of Bauxite.