Coal: An Overview of Mineral Resources in India
India is endowed with a rich variety of mineral resources due to its unique geological structure, primarily composed of pre-Palaeozoic age minerals associated with metamorphic and igneous rocks, mostly found in the peninsular region. This chapter focuses on the availability of various mineral and energy resources within the country, outlining their types and regions of extraction.
Types of Minerals
On classification, minerals are categorized into two main types: metallic and non-metallic. Metallic minerals (like iron ore, copper, and gold) are further divided into ferrous and non-ferrous minerals, with ferrous ones containing iron. Non-metallic minerals consist of organic sources such as fossil fuels (coal, petroleum) and inorganic sources like mica and limestone.
Characteristics of Minerals
Minerals are unevenly distributed geographically, often reflecting an inverse relationship between the quality and quantity of mineral resources. Higher quality minerals tend to be scarcer than lower-quality ones. Additionally, minerals are exhaustible and cannot be quickly replenished, necessitating their conservation for future generations.
Distribution of Minerals in India
Minerals in India are primarily concentrated in three major geological belts: the North-Eastern Plateau, the South-Western Plateau, and the North-Western Region, each rich in various types of minerals, including coal deposits primarily found in the Gondwana and tertiary deposits.
Coal Resources
Coal is vital for generating thermal power and smelting iron ore, accounting for the majority of energy consumption in India. The major coal fields lie mainly in the Damodar Valley and include Raniganj, Jharia, Bokaro, and Giridih, among others. Most coal in India is bituminous and non-coking, with varying grades and uses. The emphasis is on understanding coal's role in both energy generation and industrial processes, which underscore its significance in India's economic landscape.