Why this matters now
Mineral distribution is a Prelims theme, and critical minerals are a hot GS-3 topic — they power EVs, electronics and clean energy, and India is racing to secure supply (the 2023 Reasi lithium find, KABIL, critical-minerals lists).
Distribution of key minerals
| Mineral | Main regions |
|---|---|
| Coal | Gondwana coalfields of the Damodar valley (Jharia, Bokaro, Raniganj) + Godavari, Mahanadi, Son valleys |
| Iron ore | Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka (high-grade haematite/magnetite) |
| Bauxite | Odisha, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Maharashtra |
| Manganese | Odisha, Karnataka, MP, Maharashtra |
| Mica | Jharkhand-Bihar belt, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan |
| Copper | Rajasthan (Khetri), Jharkhand, MP |
| Petroleum & gas | Mumbai High (offshore), Gujarat, Assam (Digboi); KG basin gas |
Much of this clusters in the North-Eastern Plateau (Chota Nagpur) mineral belt.
The critical-minerals turn
Critical minerals — lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, rare earths — are vital for batteries, EVs, electronics and clean energy, and India imports most of them. Recent moves: India released a list of critical minerals, the discovery of significant lithium reserves at Reasi (Jammu & Kashmir), the state firm KABIL to acquire overseas mineral assets, a Critical Minerals Mission, and amendments allowing private exploration. Securing these is now a strategic priority.
UPSC angle
Match minerals to regions (coal-Damodar; iron-Odisha/Jharkhand/Chhattisgarh/Karnataka; mica-Jharkhand). For GS-3, link critical minerals (lithium, Reasi, KABIL) to the energy transition.
Frequently asked questions
Where are India’s main coalfields?
In the Gondwana coalfields of the Damodar valley (Jharia, Bokaro, Raniganj) and the Godavari, Mahanadi and Son valleys.
Which states are rich in iron ore?
Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka.
What are critical minerals?
Minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite and rare earths that are essential for batteries, EVs, electronics and clean energy, and whose supply is at risk.
What is KABIL?
A government joint-venture company set up to acquire and develop critical-mineral assets overseas for India’s supply security.