Amit Sharma
Natural resources of economic value can be found in the crust of the Earth as minerals. They are necessary for several commercial, technological, and everyday uses. The foundation of a nation or region’s economic and technological development is its mineral and energy resources. Moreover, the main factors influencing industrial development include expenditures, demand and availability, accessibility, and logistics. The northern Indian area of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is renowned for having a diverse geology and abundant mineral resources. Numerous precious minerals, both metallic and non-metallic, can be found in the area. Jammu & Kashmir holds all of the nation’s resources for borax and sapphire and also has 36% graphite, 21% marble, and 14% gypsum. Important minerals produced in the Union Territory include coal, gypsum, and limestone. Gypsum is found in Baramulla and Doda districts; limestone is found in Anantnag, Baramulla, Kathua, Leh, Poonch, Pulwama, Rajouri, Srinagar, and Udhampur districts; and magnesite is found in Leh and Udhampur districts. Bauxite, ball clay, and china clay are among the other minerals found in the J&K; Bentonite is found in Jammu district; Borax and Sulphur are found in Leh district; Diaspore is found in Rajouri and Udhampur districts; and Graphite is found in Baramulla district; Lithium in Reasi district.
Coal: When vegetation builds up and partially decomposes, it forms coal. Anthracite, bituminous, lignite, and peat coal are the four basic varieties. According to Geology and mining department of J&K, J&K has coal reserves of 9.5 million tones. Kalakote, Jangalgali, Metka, Ladha, Chinka, Dhansal, Swalkote, Chakar, Dandil, Mohogala, San-gar-Marg, and Kura are the primary coal reserves of the UT. Additionally, the Kashmiri districts of Baramulla, Handwara, and Pulwama have reported finding coal. The Kalakote coal mines are thought to have a usable reserve of roughly 5.4 million tonnes up to a depth of about 300 metres, according to an estimate by the Geological Survey of India.
Lithium: Due to the enormous demand for lithium in rechargeable batteries, this soft, silvery-white metal is also frequently referred to as “White gold.” The Salal-Haimana area of Reasi district of the UT of Jammu & Kashmir possesses 5.9 million tonnes of lithium “inferred” resources (G3) for the first time, according to the Geological Survey of India. In terms of lithium, India is entirely dependent on imports. The top three countries from which India imported lithium in 2021-22 were Hong Kong, China, and the US.
Bauxite: A residual deposit called bauxite was created under unique climatic circumstances. It is a composite of hydrated aluminium oxides, but the name is specifically used for laterite rock variants that are rich in aluminium hydroxides, which are the main ores of the material. Extensive bauxite deposits can be discovered in the districts of Rajouri and Udhampur in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir at Chhakar (Reasi), close to Songarmarg, Salal, Panhasa, Baladanu, Sangarmarg, Sukhwal-gali, and Khander. 12 million tonnes of bauxite are thought to exist in these regions, according to the Geological Survey of India, and an examination of the ore found that it contains 60 to 70% alumina.
Sapphire: Sapphire is a type of blue gem material that is translucent or transparent. The only location in India where high-quality sapphire resources may be found is in Jammu & Kashmir. At a height of 4,500 metres, in the upper reaches of the Chenab River in the Doda District, lie the renowned sapphire mines of Paddar near Sumjam in Kishtwar upto 2 km mineralized zone Since the discovery of sapphire in Kishtwar in 1882, mining has taken place sporadically.
Ruby: Ruby is a translucent ruby variant of the mineral corundum. It is discovered in conjunction with sapphire-bearing rocks in the Zanskar, Sumjam, and Paddar regions. Aquamarine crystals of significant size and purity were obtained from the Kashmir Valley in Skardu, which has been identified as an extremely productive aquamarine site.
Bentonite: Between Bhimber and Kathua in the Jammu Division lie the bentonite deposits. A unique combination of clay minerals called bentonite is frequently created by the weathering of pyroclastic rocks, lavas, and acid. Bentonite is found in the Jammu Division’s Panipur, Chittopali, Modkali, Uttar Bhimber Bazar, and Panipur regions. Uses for bentonite include removing grease stains, creating soap, filling paper, and washing silk and cotton garments.
Kaolinite (China Clay): Clay called kaolinite is made when felspar decomposes naturally in its natural environment. In Jammu, kaolinite is discovered beside bauxite deposits. The mineral is known locally as Makol. It is found in the Salal, Songarmar, and Chakar districts of the Bauxite Series between the vast limestone, breccia, nummulitics, and coal measures. In the regions where it occurs, kaolinite deposits are present and can be utilised to make pottery. These deposits range in thickness from one to four metres.
Gypsum: In conjunction with rocks from a variety of different geological formations, gypsum can create huge bedded masses or aggregates. According to Geology and mining department of J&K 150 million tones of capacity of gypsum is available. In clays and limestones, gypsum is an evaporite mineral that is occasionally linked to sulphur. In the regions of Uri, Ramban, Assar, and Batote, quartzite and schist are intercalated with snow-white gypsum. Additionally, it is applied to agricultural areas as a surface dressing and as fertiliser, both of which are very beneficial to some crops.
Limestone: According to Geology and mining department of J&K 6081 million tones of capacity of limestone is available. Calcium carbonate is what makes limestone. It is found in Manasbal, Bern, Achabal, Barwar, Verinag, Wuyan, Jan- galgali, Salal, Reasi, Basohli, Kalakote and Khalsi (Ladakh). If limestone is pure enough, it can also be used in the chemical, alkaline, sugar, and metallurgical sectors in addition to being used as building stones and as a raw material for lime and cement.
Borax: Hot spring water evaporates, leaving behind deposits of borax. Borax is only found in Ladakh in the entire nation. In the Puga Valley and Chumathang of the Maheyang region of Ladakh, borax can be found as surface deposits. According to Geology and mining department of J&K 400 tonnes annual of capacity of borax is available.
Sulphur: Iron pyrite or the areas close to volcanic regions are the sources of the mineral sulphur. Significant sulphur resources have been discovered in the Ladakh Division’s Puga Valley. Additionally, it is connected to salt domes, sandstones, and limestones. The Puga Valley is thought to contain a sulphur reserve of roughly 6,000 tonnes, according to the Geological Survey of India.
Environmental protection and mineral conservation: For sustainable growth and the welfare of present and future generations, mineral protection and environmental preservation are crucial. Here are some reasons why they are important and steps that can be performed to advance their objectives:
Mining projects can be made more productive by implementing cutting-edge mining technology and techniques that reduce waste during extraction and processing.
The burden on already-existing mineral reserves can be lessened by funding research to develop alternatives for rare minerals and by advancing extraction techniques.
Governments can impose stringent rules on mining practices, ensuring that businesses use eco-friendly practices and take part in rehabilitation activities when mining operations stop.
After extraction, it is important to restore mined regions to their original productive status. This may entail cultivating native plants and maintaining soil fertility.
Increasing consumer responsibility and legislative backing for environmental rules can be achieved by spreading knowledge about the negative effects of mining on the environment and the value of conservation.
Despite, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh having abundant natural resources; the use and exploitation of these resources are governed by environmental laws and conservation initiatives to safeguard the area’s unique ecosystem.
(The writer is Research Scholar Dept. of Geology, University of Jammu)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
