Mineral Wealth in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is rich in a variety of minerals, making it an important state for mining and related industries. Below is a detailed overview of the significant minerals found in the region and their uses.

Limestone (CaCO₂)

Limestone is a primary raw material used in cement manufacturing. It is abundantly found in:

• Gagal (Bilaspur)
• Broh Shind (Chamba)
• Bhudloge (Darlaghat, Solan)
• Dharamkot (Kangra)
• Sundernagar and Alsindi (Mandi)
• Kothipura (Bilaspur)
• Radinan, Naura Dhar, Nandi area (Sirmaur)

Major Cement Factories:

• Barmana (ACC): Bilaspur
• Darlaghat (Ambuja) and Bagha (Jaypee): Solan
• Rajban (CCI): Sirmaur

Upcoming Cement Projects:

• Sundernagar and Alsindi (Mandi)
• Broh Sind (Chamba)
• Chopal area (Shimla) by Reliance Cementation Private Ltd.

Dolomite (Calcium Magnesium Carbonate CaMg(CO₂)²)

Dolomite is used as an ornamental stone, a concrete aggregate, and a source of magnesium oxide. It also serves as an important petroleum reservoir rock.

Found in:

• Kothipura and Panjota blocks (Bilaspur)
• Nalagarh (Solan)

Pyrites

Iron pyrite, also known as fool’s gold (FeS₂), is used in the production of sulphuric acid.

Found near:

• Tara Devi (Shimla)

Gypsum (Calcium Sulphate Dihydrate – CaSO₄·2H₂O)

Gypsum is used as a fertilizer and for making sculptures.

Found in:

• Kuthar (Solan)
• Near Bathri (Chamba)
• Korga and Bharil areas (Sirmaur)
• Parts of Kinnaur and Lahaul Spiti

Quartzite

Quartzite is used in glass manufacturing.

Found in:

• Pukhar area (Bilaspur)

Magnesite (MgCO₃, Magnesium Carbonate)

Magnesite is used to make magnesium oxide, which is essential in blast furnaces and kilns.

Found in:

• Gumrola Suai area (Chamba)

Barytes (BaSO₄)

Barytes is the main source of barium.

Found in:

• Kanti, Mishwa, Tatyana, Dhala, Pipli, and Tiler Dhar areas (Sirmaur)
• Naldera area (Shimla)

Rock Salts

Locally known as “Lokhan,” Mandi is the only district in India where rock salt is extracted commercially.

Found in:

• Gumma and Darang (Mandi)

Slate

Derived from shale, slate is the largest mineral in Himachal Pradesh in terms of value. It is found in:

• Mandi
• Chamba
• Kangra
• Sirmaur

Uranium

Uranium was discovered in 1789 and is known for its radioactive properties. It is used in nuclear power plants.

Found in:

• Hamirpur
• Chhinjara and Jari (Banjar) in Parbati Valley
• Near Dhela in Garsah Valley (Kullu district)

Oil and Natural Gas

Oil and natural gas reserves have been found in:

• Deoth Sidh (Hamirpur)
• Ramshahr (Solan)
• Jwalamukhi (Kangra)

Energy Park

The first energy park in Himachal Pradesh is located at Nauni University and was set up by the H.P. Energy Development Agency (HIMURJA). It aims to educate the masses about renewable energy sources.

H.P. General Industries Corporation, 1972

This corporation oversees several manufacturing units, including:

• Himalaya Fertilizers, Manjholi
• Nurpur Silk Mills, Nurpur
• Mining Project, Bilaspur
• Furniture Factory, Bilaspur
• Hosiery Factory, Nalagarh
• Country Liquor Bottling Plant, Mehatpur

Conclusion

Himachal Pradesh’s rich mineral wealth and industrial potential make it a significant contributor to India’s economy. Understanding these resources is crucial for government exam aspirants and anyone interested in the state’s economic development.