Himachal Pradesh is graced with numerous vital minerals including rock salt, gypsum, clays, mica, limestone, barytes, iron, pyrite, and lead. Among these, salt, limestone, and slate hold particular significance. The state boasts a rich abundance of limestone, making it a standout mineral resource.
Mineral Production Perspective
Himachal Pradesh contributes about 0.5% to India’s overall mineral production. The majority of these mineral resources are located in the Shiwalik range, in the southwestern part of the state. The state possesses many important minerals, albeit in smaller quantities.
Important Minerals
Limestone
- Prevalence and Use: Limestone is the most crucial mineral in Himachal Pradesh, found abundantly. It is extensively used in industries such as cement, chemicals, fertilizer, calcium carbide, sugar, paper, and leather. Limestone accounts for 80% of the state’s mineral production.
- Key Locations: Significant deposits are found in Barmana (Bilaspur), Gagal (Kangra), Solan, Mandi, Chamba (Broh, Sindh, Dhundiara), Kinnaur, Kullu, and Shimla districts. Sirmaur district also has notable limestone regions.
Specific Limestone Regions
- Khari to Bhoranj: Essential for cement manufacturing, with a cement factory in Rajban.
- Karol (near Kamrao and Bharti): This area contains dolomitic limestone and granular limestone.
- Naura Bhangari and Jarog (at 2150 m altitude): Known for high-quality limestone with 96.5% calcium carbonate content.
Dolomitic Limestone:
Found in Panjota (Kothipura block, Bilaspur), used for producing calcium and ammonium nitrate in the Nangal fertilizer factory. Also found in Nalagarh (Solan district) and Karol (Sirmaur district).
Gypsum:
Mainly located in Rajban, Bharti, and Korga (Sirmaur district). Kuthar area of Solan district has lower-quality gypsum. Unutilized deposits in Bhatri (Chamba), Lahaul, Spiti, and Kinnaur districts.
Barytes:
Located in Sirmaur (Kanti, Mishwa-Talyana, Tiler Dhar, Dhala-Pipli), Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, Solan, and Shimla (Naldehra).
Magnesite:
Found in Nachetar (Bharmour, Chamba district), and Sui region, with 30-40% magnesite content.
Rock Salt:
Himachal Pradesh is the sole supplier in India, mined in Gumma and Darang (Mandi district).
Silica Sand:
Abundant in Una district’s ravines (Parakva, Haroti, Homa, Bathuri) and in Niari, Chenal, and Sutlej river valley (Bilaspur), used for lead manufacturing.
Slate:
A leading producer of high-quality slate in India, found in Chamba, Sirmaur, Khaniara (Kangra). A slate tile factory in Mandi caters to domestic and international demand.
Energy Resources
- Oil and Natural Gas: Potential reserves in Chaumukh (Sundernagar), Renuka (near Nahan), Deotsidh (Hamirpur), Rameshwar (Solan), and Jwalamukhi regions. ONGC has proposed extraction projects.
Radioactive Minerals
- Evidences found in Kullu, Kinnaur, Hamirpur, and Shimla regions, particularly around Banjar, Chhinjara, Jari, and Dhela (Garash valley).
Mineral Water
- Rich sources in Bilaspur, Solan, Kangra, Shimla, and Kullu districts, including renowned Kalath village and Manali region.
Distribution of Other Minerals
- Mica (Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti, Kullu)
- Iron ore (Mandi, Kullu, Kangra, Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti, Shimla, Sirmaur)
- Coal (Solan, Kangra, Mandi)
- Copper (Sirmaur, Kinnaur, Kullu, Chamba, Lahaul and Spiti, Solan)
- Uranium (Hamirpur, Kullu)
- Kyanite (Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, Kullu)
- Asbestos (Kangra, Mandi, Shimla)
- Bauxite (Sirmaur, Solan, Shimla)
- Gold (Bilaspur, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi, Sirmaur)
- Lead (Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, Sutlej river)
- Silver (Sirmaur, Kinnaur, Kullu)
- Pyrite (Chamba, Shimla)
- Cobalt (Lahaul and Spiti, Sirmaur)
- Nickel (Kullu), antimony (Lahaul and Spiti)
- Talc/steatite (Shimla, Sirmaur)
- Clay (Kangra, Kullu, Kinnaur, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Lahaul and Spiti)
- Glass sand (Bilaspur, Kangra, Una).
Mineral Policy OF Himachal Pradesh
The Mineral Policy in Himachal Pradesh is a strategic framework designed to address the unique challenges of mining in the region. These challenges include the state’s hilly terrain, which necessitates different mining approaches compared to plains, as well as specific ecological and environmental concerns, and the increasing demand for minerals.
Objectives
- Modern Exploration Techniques: Implementing advanced methods for exploring the state’s mineral wealth.
- Curbing Unauthorized Mining: Taking stringent actions to prevent unauthorized mining activities and revenue loss.
- Policy and Rule Revision: Updating and simplifying the Himachal Pradesh Minor Mineral Revised Rules of 1971 to align them with current needs.
- Environmental Compliance: Adhering to the guidelines set by the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MOEF), Government of India, particularly for the exploitation of minor minerals.
- Mechanized and Scientific Mining: Promoting modern, mechanized, and scientific mining practices while ensuring mineral conservation, mine safety, and environmental protection.
- Industrial Development: Encouraging the establishment of processing units and mineral-based industries for value addition within the state.
- Employment Generation: Focusing on increasing job opportunities in the mining sector, especially in the interior and remote areas of Himachal Pradesh.
Illegal Mining Issues in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is grappling with the issue of illegal mining, which has become a significant concern. The illicit extraction of minerals not only leads to the overexploitation of these resources but also results in severe land degradation and disruption of the natural environment.
Legislative Measures for Prevention
- State Act of Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation, and Storage (2015): In response to these challenges, the state government enacted robust legislation in 2015 aimed at curbing illegal mining activities.
- Penalties Imposed:
- General Illegal Mining: The act prescribes a stringent punishment for illegal mining activities, which includes imprisonment of up to 2 years and a monetary fine of ₹25,000.
- Illegal Stone Quarrying in Lesser Himalaya Region: To specifically address illegal stone quarrying in this region, the legislation imposes a higher penalty. Convicted individuals face imprisonment for 2 years and a hefty fine of ₹5 lakh.
Impact on Local Infrastructure
- Building Material Supply: The quarries involved in illegal activities are known to supply building materials to key areas like Shimla and Kangra, making this a matter of concern for regional infrastructure and development.
Mining Regulations:
Setting Mining Boundaries
In addition to addressing illegal mining, the state act for the prevention of illegal mining, transportation, and storage in Himachal Pradesh also establishes specific limits for legal mining operations. These regulations are designed to protect urban, infrastructural, and environmental areas from the potential adverse impacts of mining.
Defined Mining Limits
- Proximity to Urban Areas:
- Mining is prohibited within a 2-kilometer radius from the outer limits of any Municipal Corporation or Municipal Committee.
- A 1-kilometer no-mining zone is enforced around the boundaries of Nagar Panchayats.
- Near National Highways and Forest Areas:
- Mining activities are not allowed within 100 meters of national highways and forest areas, providing a buffer zone to safeguard these vital national assets and natural ecosystems.
- Adjacent to Water Bodies:
- There is a strict prohibition on mining within 200 meters upstream or downstream of any river that is part of a water supply scheme. This measure is taken to protect the water quality and maintain the ecological balance of these rivers.
