Rajasthan’s Mining Landscape: A Blend of Tradition, Innovation, and Sustainability

Rajasthan carried the flag in the entire country in the mining sector,Rajasthan got the first prize in the auction of major mineral blocks across the country, Principal Secretary Mines, T. Ravikant received the award – Union Mines Minister Shri in the conference of Mines Ministers in Konark. Let’s delve deeper into the kind of mining practices which are followed in the state. The state practices a combination of surface mining and underground mining techniques to extract valuable minerals, with a strong emphasis on open-pit mining due to the nature of its mineral deposits. Here’s an overview of the types of mining practiced in Rajasthan:

1. Surface Mining

Surface mining techniques are commonly used in Rajasthan due to the widespread presence of minerals near the Earth’s surface. Some of the key types of surface mining practiced in Rajasthan are:

• Open-Pit Mining: This is the predominant method used in Rajasthan for extracting large mineral deposits that are spread over extensive areas near the surface. Open-pit mining is particularly used for minerals like limestone, marble, granite, and copper. Major mining operations in the state, especially those related to marble and limestone, often use open-pit mining, where large pits are dug to extract the minerals.
• Quarry Mining (for Marble and Granite): Rajasthan is known for its rich deposits of marble and granite, which are primarily mined through quarrying. The marble quarries, particularly in areas like Makrana, Rajsamand, and Kishangarh, are famous worldwide for producing high-quality marble used in construction and decoration. This type of mining involves cutting large blocks of stone from quarries, and techniques like wire saws and hydraulic cutters are employed for efficiency and precision.
• Strip Mining: Strip mining is used for extracting coal, primarily in the state’s Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh border regions. It involves removing the overburden (soil and rock) in strips to expose coal seams beneath the surface. This method is also used for extracting other minerals such as gypsum.

2. Underground Mining

While surface mining is dominant, underground mining is also practiced in certain areas of Rajasthan, particularly for minerals that are deep within the Earth.

• Shaft Mining: Rajasthan has several underground deposits of minerals like zinc, lead, and silver, which are mined using shaft mining techniques. In this method, vertical shafts are drilled to reach deeper mineral deposits. One of the most significant operations is the Zawar Mines in the Udaipur region, which is one of the world’s largest deposits of zinc and lead.
• Drift Mining: Drift mining is used when the ore body is found along horizontal seams. This is less common than shaft mining but is still practiced for certain minerals. Rajasthan’s rich deposits of marbles and metals sometimes require the use of this method.

3. Specialized Mining Types

Rajasthan is also known for a variety of specific mining activities based on the minerals extracted:

• Salt Mining: Rajasthan has extensive salt deposits, particularly in regions like Sambhar Lake and Didwana. The state is one of the largest producers of salt in India. The extraction of salt is done through evaporation mining, where salt is extracted from saltwater by evaporating the water in open ponds.
• Gypsum Mining: The state also has large deposits of gypsum, which are used in industries such as cement production and agriculture. Gypsum is typically mined using surface mining techniques due to its proximity to the surface in various parts of the state.
• Marble and Granite Mining: Rajasthan is globally renowned for its marble and granite production, with the Makrana marble being especially famous for its white color and used in high-profile buildings like the Taj Mahal. The mining of these stones is typically done using quarrying methods, where the stone is extracted from the ground in blocks for use in construction, sculpture, and other industries.
• Mica Mining: Rajasthan has significant deposits of mica, a mineral used in electronics, cosmetics, and electrical equipment. Mica mining in the state has been mostly carried out through surface mining techniques, although it has historically been associated with some environmental and social challenges.

4. Emerging Practices:

• In-situ Mining: In Rajasthan, the state government has been exploring newer, more sustainable methods like in-situ mining or solution mining for certain minerals, particularly for uranium and copper deposits. This method involves dissolving minerals in a solvent and then pumping the solution to the surface for processing, thus minimizing surface disruption.
• Sustainable Mining Practices: In response to environmental concerns, there have been increasing efforts toward implementing eco-friendly mining practices in Rajasthan. The government has been promoting techniques that minimize the environmental impact, such as land reclamation, water conservation, and the rehabilitation of mined areas. The state has also introduced regulations aimed at reducing illegal mining, which has been a significant issue in some regions.

Major Mining Areas in Rajasthan

• Udaipur Region: Known for zinc and lead deposits in the Zawar mines.
• Makrana: Famous for marble mining.
• Kishangarh and Rajsamand: Known for granite and marble.
• Jaisalmer and Barmer: Important areas for salt mining.
• Sambhar Lake: Known for salt extraction.
• Bhilwara: Famous for textile-related minerals, like bentonite.

While Rajasthan’s mining industry is a significant contributor to the state’s economy, it faces challenges such as:

• Environmental Degradation: Large-scale mining, especially open-pit mining, can cause deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and soil erosion.
• Water Management: Mining operations often use vast amounts of water, raising concerns about water scarcity in regions like Rajasthan.
• Illegal Mining: Despite regulatory measures, illegal mining, especially of minerals like sand and marble, continues to be a problem in some areas.

The state government is increasingly focusing on sustainable mining practices and promoting the rehabilitation of mined areas to mitigate the environmental impact while supporting economic growth.

Rajasthan’s mining industry is diverse and robust, with practices ranging from surface mining (such as open-pit and quarry mining) to underground mining for metals like zinc and lead. The state’s rich mineral deposits, such as marble, granite, salt, gypsum, and mica, make it a key player in India’s mining sector. However, like other mining-intensive regions, Rajasthan must balance the economic benefits of mining with the need for environmental sustainability and legal compliance.