Mineral Resources of Karnataka Minerals An Introduction A

Mineral Resources of Karnataka

Minerals : An Introduction ü A mineral is a naturally occurring substance usually present in the earth’s crust. ü It has following properties: § naturally occurring § inorganic § solid § definite chemical composition § ordered internal structure ü Minerals are found in rocks, ores and natural mineral deposits.

Importance of Minerals ü Used in construction, utensils, machinery, and many more. ü Used in making acids, used for chlorine, mineral waters, photography, and for medicinal purposes. ü Heart of industries. ü Source of foreign exchange. ü Symbol of development.

Mineral Resources of Karnataka üKarnataka state has rich and diverse mineral resources. üSome of the important minerals of Karnataka: § § Iron Ore Gold Manganese Bauxite ü Limestone, copper, mica, granite are also found in the state.

Iron ü Iron ore is the raw material for iron & steel industry ü Magnetite & hematite grade iron is found vastly in Karnataka. ü Karnataka is ranked 2 nd in India in the production of iron ore. ü Iron ore is supplied to Iron & Steel factories in Bhadravathi, Jindal Vijayanagar Iron & Steel factory. ü Iron from Karnataka is also exported. Magnetite Hematite

Iron : Distribution ü Bellary, Chikamagalur, Bagalkot, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Shimoga, Dakshin Kannada, Uttara Kannada & Gadag districts. ü Sandur in Bellary & Hospet are the largest producers. ü Chikkamagalur ranks 2 nd in iron ore production. ü Kemmannagundi, Bababudangiri hills, Kudremukh, Ameengarh, Chikkanayakanahalli are some of the major iron producing areas.

Manganese ü Manganese ore is mainly found in oxide form in sedimentary & metamorphic rocks. ü Used in the manufacture of steel to increase its hardness. ü Used in electrical industries, chemicals & paints, fertilizers. ü ‘Jack of all trades’

Manganese : Distribution ü 27% of total production in India. Ranks 2 nd in India. ü Manganese ores are found near the iron ores. ü Sandur in Bellary is an important producer of Manganese. ü Kumsi, Shankaragudda & Hosahalli in Shimoga; Chikkanayakanahalli in Tumkur; Sirsi, Supa in Uttara Kannada.

Bauxite ü Used in the preparation of aluminum. ü It is also used in the manufacture of cement, steel and electrical wires. ü Indian Aluminum Company in Belgaum.

Bauxite : Distribution ü Belgaum, Chikamagalur, Chitradurga, Dakshin Kannada & Udupi. ü Belgaum district is the leading producer of Bauxite in Karnataka. ü Khanapur taluk in Belgaum district is the major producer.

Gold ü Bright, slightly reddish yellow, dense, soft, malleable and ductile metal. ü Used in making ornaments & valuable articles.

Gold : Distribution ü 80% of total production in India. Ranks 1 st in India. Karnataka is the ‘Land of Gold’. ü Kolar Gold Fields (K. G. F. ) ü Hatti Gold mines. – Biggest Gold mine in India. ü Bellara, Ajjanahalli, Mulgud, Kappadagudda in Gadag district & Kempinkote in Hassan district.