Top Mineral Producing States in India – UPSC Notes & State-Wise Distribution
Major Mineral Producing States in India and World SSC CGL
India is richly endowed with a variety of minerals, and the country ranks among the top producers of several key resources globally. From coal to iron ore, bauxite to mica, different states in India contribute significantly to the overall mineral production. This article presents a detailed List of Mineral Production in India State Wise, highlighting the Top 10 mineral producing states in India, which are crucial for understanding the nation’s industrial backbone.
State-Wise Mineral Production in India – Important MCQs for SSC CGL & Other Exams
For aspirants preparing for competitive exams like SSC CGL, UPSC, and others, knowing the Major mineral producing states in India SSC CGL PDF format or with a map can greatly enhance their general knowledge section. Whether you're looking for the Largest mineral producing state in India UPSC, or need a Minerals in India State Wise PDF for quick revision, this guide is a one-stop resource. Updated for 2025, it covers the most relevant and up-to-date information about the Top mineral producing states in India. Let’s explore how each state contributes to India's mineral wealth and economy.
Top Mineral Producing States of India 2024 | State-Wise Mineral Distribution for SSC & UPSC
State Major Minerals/Metals
Jharkhand - (i) Coal (ii) Cobalt (iii) Kyanite
Chhattisgarh - (i) Tin (ii) Dolomite
Odisha - (i) Bauxite (Aluminium Ore) (ii) Chromite (Chromium Ore) (iii) Iron Ore (iv) Nickel
Andhra Pradesh - (i) Thorium (ii) Uranium (iii) Mica
Tamil Nadu - (i) Magnesium
Karnataka - (i) Tungsten (ii) Gold
Maharashtra - (i) Petroleum
Madhya Pradesh - (i) Manganese (ii) Diamond (iii) Copper Ore
Rajasthan - (i) Lead & Zinc (ii) Asbestos (iii) Limestone (iv) Calcite (used in Marble) (v) Gypsum (vi) Silver (vii) Crude Oil (viii) Natural Gas
Assam - (i) Petroleum (ii) Natural Gas
Major Mineral Producing Countries of the World 2024 | Global Mineral Resources for Competitive Exams
🌍 Top Mineral Producers in the World
Mineral/Metal Leading Producer Country
Gold - China
Silver - Mexico
Diamond - Russia and Australia
Cotton - United States (USA)
Coal - China
Bauxite - Australia
Iron Ore - Australia and Brazil
Uranium - Kazakhstan
Copper - Chile
Petroleum - USA and Saudi Arabia
Natural Gas - USA and Russia
Top 20 Mineral Production in India – MCQs for SSC, UPSC & Other Competitive Exams
1. Which Indian state is the largest producer of coal?
(a) Odisha
(b) Jharkhand
(c) Chhattisgarh
(d) West Bengal
Answer: (b) Jharkhand
2. Which state is the leading producer of petroleum in India?
(a) Gujarat
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Assam
(d) Rajasthan
Answer: (a) Gujarat
3. Which country is the largest producer of Gold?
(a) India
(b) South Africa
(c) USA
(d) China
Answer: (d) China
4. Where is the highest production of diamonds in India?
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Madhya Pradesh
(c) Odisha
(d) Karnataka
Answer: (b) Madhya Pradesh
5. Which state is the largest producer of bauxite in India?
(a) Chhattisgarh
(b) Odisha
(c) Andhra Pradesh
(d) Maharashtra
Answer: (b) Odisha
6. Which country is the largest producer of silver?
(a) India
(b) Australia
(c) Mexico
(d) USA
Answer: (c) Mexico
7. Which Indian state is the highest producer of mica?
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Andhra Pradesh
(c) Bihar
(d) Odisha
Answer: (b) Andhra Pradesh
8. The leading producer of uranium in the world is—
(a) Canada
(b) Russia
(c) Kazakhstan
(d) USA
Answer: (c) Kazakhstan
9. Which state is famous for lead and zinc production in India?
(a) Jharkhand
(b) Odisha
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Karnataka
Answer: (c) Rajasthan
10. Which country is the largest producer of natural gas?
(a) Saudi Arabia
(b) USA
(c) Iran
(d) Qatar
Answer: (b) USA
11. Which state is the leading producer of gold in India?
(a) Maharashtra
(b) Karnataka
(c) Tamil Nadu
(d) Odisha
Answer: (b) Karnataka
📝 Explanation: Kolar and Hutti mines in Karnataka are known for gold production.
12. Which Indian state ranks first in diamond production?
(a) Jharkhand
(b) Gujarat
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Rajasthan
Answer: (c) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: Panna mines in Madhya Pradesh are India’s only diamond mines.
13. Which mineral is majorly produced in Odisha?
(a) Bauxite
(b) Thorium
(c) Gold
(d) Coal
Answer: (a) Bauxite
Explanation: Odisha is the leading producer of Bauxite, a major source of aluminum.
14. The state known for maximum uranium reserves is —
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Rajasthan
(c) Maharashtra
(d) Jharkhand
Answer: (a) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: Tummalapalle in Andhra Pradesh has large uranium deposits.
15. Lead and zinc are primarily found in which state?
(a) Karnataka
(b) Rajasthan
(c) Tamil Nadu
(d) Chhattisgarh
Answer: (b) Rajasthan
Explanation: Rampura Agucha mine in Rajasthan is rich in lead and zinc.
16. The largest producer of coal in India is —
(a) Chhattisgarh
(b) Jharkhand
(c) Odisha
(d) West Bengal
Answer: (b) Jharkhand
Explanation: Jharkhand has rich coal mines like Jharia and Bokaro.
17. Where is chromite ore (used for chromium) found most?
(a) Odisha
(b) Gujarat
(c) Assam
(d) Kerala
Answer: (a) Odisha
Explanation: Odisha is the leading producer of chromite.
18. Which mineral is used in making nuclear fuel and is found in Kerala?
(a) Thorium
(b) Bauxite
(c) Iron ore
(d) Gold
Answer: (a) Thorium
Explanation: Kerala’s monazite sands are rich in thorium, used in nuclear reactors.
19. Which state is the largest producer of petroleum in India (onshore)?
(a) Gujarat
(b) Assam
(c) Maharashtra
(d) Rajasthan
Answer: (b) Assam
Explanation: Digboi and other oilfields in Assam are major petroleum sources.
20. Which mineral is extracted from the mines in Balaghat (M.P)?
(a) Diamond
(b) Manganese
(c) Bauxite
(d) Iron ore
Answer: (b) Manganese
Explanation: Balaghat is a significant manganese-producing region in India.
Mineral-Based Industries in India
Mineral-based industries are those that use minerals as their primary raw materials. These industries play a crucial role in the development of a country’s economy by transforming raw minerals into valuable industrial products. In Geography Class 8 and Class 10, mineral-based industries are considered a key topic, and they often appear in school exams as well as competitive exams like SSC and UPSC.
Some examples of mineral-based industries include the iron and steel industry, cement industry, aluminium industry, and copper smelting plants. These industries are mostly located near mining areas to reduce transportation costs and ensure easy access to raw materials. Students looking for mineral-based industries examples (Class 8) or preparing for advanced studies must understand the major mineral-based industries in India with year of establishment such as Tata Steel (1907), Bokaro Steel Plant (1972), and NALCO (1981).
Along with these, Forest-based industries also contribute significantly to the economy, using forest products like wood, bamboo, and resins to manufacture goods.
Now, we will explore the 7 key mineral-based industries, their locations, establishment years , and their impact on the industrial landscape of India.
Major Mineral-Based Industries in India (With Year of Establishment)
1. Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO)
📍 Location: Jamshedpur, Jharkhand
🗓️ Established: 1907
⚙️ Mineral: Iron ore, Coal, Manganese
🧾 Note: First major iron and steel industry in India.
2. Bokaro Steel Plant
📍 Location: Bokaro, Jharkhand
🗓️ Established: 1964
⚙️ Mineral: Iron ore, Limestone, Coal
🧾 Note: Public sector unit under SAIL.
3. Bhilai Steel Plant
📍 Location: Bhilai, Chhattisgarh
🗓️ Established: 1955
⚙️ Mineral: Iron ore, Manganese, Coal
🧾 Note: Known for rail production.
4. Rourkela Steel Plant
📍 Location: Rourkela, Odisha
🗓️ Established: 1959
⚙️ Mineral: Iron ore, Dolomite, Manganese
🧾 Note: Collaboration with Germany.
5. Durgapur Steel Plant
📍 Location: Durgapur, West Bengal
🗓️ Established: 1962
⚙️ Mineral: Iron ore, Limestone
🧾 Note: Produces structural steel.
6. National Aluminium Company (NALCO)
📍 Location: Angul, Odisha
🗓️ Established: 1981
⚙️ Mineral: Bauxite
🧾 Note: Major aluminium producer.
7. Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL)
📍 Location: Udaipur, Rajasthan
🗓️ Established: 1966
⚙️ Mineral: Zinc, Lead
🧾 Note: Largest zinc producer in India.
8. Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL)
📍 Location: Khetri, Rajasthan & Malanjkhand, Madhya Pradesh
🗓️ Established: 1967
⚙️ Mineral: Copper
🧾 Note: Government-owned copper producer.
9. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
📍 Location: Multiple across India
🗓️ Established: 1956
⚙️ Mineral: Petroleum, Natural Gas
🧾 Note: India’s largest oil exploration PSU.
10. Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL)
📍 Location: Mumbai (HQ), operations in Odisha, Kerala
🗓️ Established: 1950
⚙️ Mineral: Thorium, Rare Earths
🧾 Note: Works under the Department of Atomic Energy.
11. Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC)
📍 Location: Tamil Nadu
🗓️ Established: 1956
⚙️ Mineral: Lignite
🧾 Note: Key player in thermal power and lignite mining.
12. Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL)
📍 Location: Jaduguda, Jharkhand
🗓️ Established: 1967
⚙️ Mineral: Uranium
🧾 Note: Supplies uranium for India's nuclear program.
Mineral Based Industries MCQ Questions and Answers
1. In which year was the Bokaro Steel Plant established?
(a) 1964
(b) 1965
(c) 1967
(d) 1971
Answer: (c) 1967
Explanation: Bokaro Steel Plant, located in Jharkhand, was established in 1967 in collaboration with the Soviet Union.
2. Where is the Rourkela Steel Plant located?
(a) Chhattisgarh
(b) Odisha
(c) Jharkhand
(d) Maharashtra
Answer: (b) Odisha
Explanation: Rourkela Steel Plant is located in Odisha and was established in 1955 with German collaboration.
3. When was the Bhilai Steel Plant established?
(a) 1956
(b) 1955
(c) 1958
(d) 1960
Answer: (a) 1956
Explanation: Bhilai Steel Plant in Chhattisgarh was established in 1956 with assistance from the USSR.
4. In which state is the Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL) located?
(a) Odisha
(b) Tamil Nadu
(c) Karnataka
(d) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: (c) Karnataka
Explanation: KIOCL is a government-owned iron ore company based in Kudremukh, Karnataka.
5. The first aluminium factory in India was established at—
(a) Hirakud
(b) Korba
(c) Damanjodi
(d) Renukoot
Answer: (a) Hirakud
Explanation: India’s first aluminium factory was established in Hirakud, Odisha, by INDAL in 1959.
6. Where is the Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) headquartered?
(a) Ranchi
(b) Udaipur
(c) Bhopal
(d) Jaipur
Answer: (b) Udaipur
Explanation: Hindustan Zinc Limited is headquartered in Udaipur, Rajasthan, and is India’s leading producer of zinc.
7. Which company operates the iron and steel plant in Durgapur?
(a) Tata Steel
(b) JSW
(c) SAIL
(d) NMDC
Answer: (c) SAIL
Explanation: The Durgapur Steel Plant is operated by SAIL and was established in 1959 in West Bengal.
8. In which year was the Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO) established?
(a) 1911
(b) 1907
(c) 1920
(d) 1900
Answer: (b) 1907
Explanation: TISCO (now Tata Steel) was established in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, in 1907.
9. The National Aluminium Company (NALCO) was established in—
(a) 1980
(b) 1981
(c) 1982
(d) 1985
Answer: (b) 1981
Explanation: NALCO is a Navratna PSU established in 1981 in Odisha for aluminium production.
10. Which mineral is processed at the Zawar Mines operated by Hindustan Zinc?
(a) Copper
(b) Lead and Zinc
(c) Iron
(d) Bauxite
Answer: (b) Lead and Zinc
Explanation: Zawar Mines in Rajasthan is one of the oldest lead and zinc mines in India, operated by HZL.
11. During which Five-Year Plan was the Bhilai Steel Plant established?
(a) First Five-Year Plan
(b) Second Five-Year Plan
(c) Third Five-Year Plan
(d) Fourth Five-Year Plan
Answer: (b) Second Five-Year Plan
Explanation: The Bhilai Steel Plant, with Soviet collaboration, was established during the Second Five-Year Plan (1956–1961), focusing on heavy industries.
12. The Bokaro Steel Plant was started during which Five-Year Plan?
(a) First Five-Year Plan
(b) Second Five-Year Plan
(c) Third Five-Year Plan
(d) Fourth Five-Year Plan
Answer: (d) Fourth Five-Year Plan
Explanation: The Bokaro Steel Plant in Jharkhand was established with Soviet help during the Fourth Five-Year Plan (1969–1974).
13. Which of the following was established during the First Five-Year Plan (1951–1956)?
(a) Durgapur Steel Plant
(b) Bokaro Steel Plant
(c) Hirakud Dam
(d) Salem Steel Plant
Answer: (c) Hirakud Dam
Explanation: The Hirakud Dam project in Odisha was one of the major achievements of the First Five-Year Plan, which emphasized agriculture and irrigation infrastructure.
14. Where was the first steel plant established in India?
(a) Bhilai
(b) Jamshedpur
(c) Durgapur
(d) Rourkela
Answer: (b) Jamshedpur
Explanation: The first steel plant in India was set up in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand by Jamsedji Nusserwanji Tata in 1907. It is known today as the Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO).
Steel Plants in India and Their Association with Five-Year Plans
The development of heavy industries in post-independence India was significantly shaped by the country's Five-Year Plans. Several major steel plants were established during different plan periods with foreign collaboration to boost industrial growth. Below is a detailed description of some important steel plants and their background:
1. Bhilai Steel Plant – Chhattisgarh
The Bhilai Steel Plant was one of the first major public sector steel plants in India. It was established under the Second Five-Year Plan (1956–1961) with technical and financial collaboration from the Soviet Union. It played a key role in strengthening India's industrial base.
2. Durgapur Steel Plant – West Bengal
Set up during the Second Five-Year Plan, the Durgapur Steel Plant was developed with assistance from the United Kingdom. It became a vital unit in the eastern region, contributing to steel production and industrial employment.
3. Rourkela Steel Plant – Odisha
Also established during the Second Five-Year Plan, the Rourkela Steel Plant was developed with German collaboration. It was one of the first integrated steel plants in the public sector and helped boost industrial activity in eastern India.
4. Bokaro Steel Plant – Jharkhand
Unlike the other three, the Bokaro Steel Plant was set up a little later. Its foundation stone was laid in 1964, and the project gained momentum during the Fourth Five-Year Plan (1969–1974). Like Bhilai, it was developed with assistance from the Soviet Union.
