Mineral Resources in Western Rajasthan-Mineral Resources in Western Rajasthan-Opportunities & ChallengesOpportunities & Challenges

By By Rakesh GoswamiRakesh Goswami

Former Supdt Geologist, DMG-RajasthanFormer Supdt Geologist, DMG-Rajasthan

21-09-2014.21-09-2014.

Western Rajasthan

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

Through the ages minerals have played Through the ages minerals have played important role in evolution of human important role in evolution of human civilization with the result that different civilization with the result that different episodes are named as iron age, bronze age episodes are named as iron age, bronze age etc.The use of mineral was known to etc.The use of mineral was known to ancients,this is evident from large number of ancients,this is evident from large number of old workings and slag heaps at different old workings and slag heaps at different localities.localities.

Rajasthan is now largest state Rajasthan is now largest state geographically. Major part has arid to semi geographically. Major part has arid to semi arid climate, but nature has been quite arid climate, but nature has been quite liberal as it has endowed th area with rich liberal as it has endowed th area with rich mineral belts. The term western part mineral belts. The term western part includes districts of Sirohi, Jalore, Pali, includes districts of Sirohi, Jalore, Pali,

JodhpurJodhpur, , Nagaur, Barmer, Jaisalmer, Sri-Nagaur, Barmer, Jaisalmer, Sri-Ganganagar , Hanumangarh & Churu .Ganganagar , Hanumangarh & Churu .

Geological setup :- Minerals occur in varied geological environment, so before describing the resource position we can have a quick recap of this setup as shown in the map.

Now the configuration of area under question is quite interesting and represents a heterogeneous assemblage.

Geology of western Rajasthan was first studied by the British in GSI in 1878,1881,1902, followed by others before as well as after independence. The oldest group is Delhi Super Group whose lithounits are found in Sirohi, Pali, Nagaur and Jodhpur dissts. This is followed by phases of igneous magmatism known as Erinpura suit,Ambaji granite, located in Pali and Sirohi.Then there is another cycle of igneous activity called Malani Igneous Suit or MIS, covering vast area in W. Rajasthan.

This group has volcanic as well as plutonic rocks. Malani rocks form the basement for all younger Rocks.

The immediate overlying formation is Marwar Sper Group,Bhadura formation, Bap boulder bed, Parewar formation, eocenes are found in Jaisalmer-Bikaner-Nagaur i.e. as Mudh, Khuiala, Khajwana formations.

Geological map of Rajasthan.Geological map of Rajasthan.

Depositional basinsDepositional basins

Mineral Resource /OpportunitiesMineral Resource /OpportunitiesRajasthan - A Mineral Rich ProvinceRajasthan - A Mineral Rich Province 79 types of minerals are found79 types of minerals are found 64 types are commercially produced64 types are commercially produced Important are :Important are : MetallicMetallic Lead, Zinc, Silver, Cadmium, Copper, Iron Ore, Gold,Lead, Zinc, Silver, Cadmium, Copper, Iron Ore, Gold, Manganese ore etc.Manganese ore etc. Non-MetallicNon-Metallic Limestone, Dolomite, Rock Phosphate, Ochres, Gypsum,Limestone, Dolomite, Rock Phosphate, Ochres, Gypsum, Soapstone, Calcite, Clay, Quartz, Feldspar, Wollastonite,Soapstone, Calcite, Clay, Quartz, Feldspar, Wollastonite, Barytes etc.Barytes etc. Fuel MineralsFuel Minerals Lignite, Crude Oil/Natural Gas etc.Lignite, Crude Oil/Natural Gas etc. Decorative & Dimensional StonesDecorative & Dimensional Stones Agate, Jasper, Marble, Granite, Kota Stone,Agate, Jasper, Marble, Granite, Kota Stone, Sandstone, Phyllite/Slate/Sandstone, Phyllite/Slate/

In Rajsthan occurrence of 79 minerals is In Rajsthan occurrence of 79 minerals is known out of which 64 are coomercially known out of which 64 are coomercially produced.There are certain minerals in which produced.There are certain minerals in which state has either absolute monopoly or is major state has either absolute monopoly or is major contributor to national production.Such contributor to national production.Such minerals areminerals are

100%-wollastonite,100%-wollastonite, 99%-Zinc conc.99%-Zinc conc. 95%-Lead conc.,silver,gypsum,95%-Lead conc.,silver,gypsum,

90%-Marble,calcite,ochers,soapstone,rock 90%-Marble,calcite,ochers,soapstone,rock phosphatephosphate

80%-Bentonite80%-Bentonite 74%-Fullers earth74%-Fullers earth 70%-Ball,fire,china clays.70%-Ball,fire,china clays. Feldapar-62%Feldapar-62% 20%-limestone.20%-limestone.

There are 2 types of oppurtunities in mineral There are 2 types of oppurtunities in mineral sector.First is availability of new mineral sector.First is availability of new mineral deposits for exploitaion and second is mineral deposits for exploitaion and second is mineral based industries on this raw material.So such based industries on this raw material.So such points shall be described simultaneously. points shall be described simultaneously. Deposits are broadly grouped as metallic and Deposits are broadly grouped as metallic and non metallic mineral deposits.Geological set non metallic mineral deposits.Geological set up of W.Rajasthan favours occurrence of non up of W.Rajasthan favours occurrence of non metallic,but small deposits of metallic metallic,but small deposits of metallic minerals are also found.minerals are also found.

So the description is as follows.So the description is as follows. Metallic deposits-These are small in nature in terms of Metallic deposits-These are small in nature in terms of

resource so there exploitation can be taken up inform of resource so there exploitation can be taken up inform of clusters only as reserves are less.clusters only as reserves are less.

Cu-Zn-Pb:-Deri Basant garh,Pipela, Swaroop ganj in Cu-Zn-Pb:-Deri Basant garh,Pipela, Swaroop ganj in Sirohi,Chitar,Naya kheda, kalabr,Jaitpura in Pali.Sirohi,Chitar,Naya kheda, kalabr,Jaitpura in Pali.

Wo3-Tungsten is located near Degans,it was first examined by Wo3-Tungsten is located near Degans,it was first examined by British in 1913 and mining started in 1916.At one point it was British in 1913 and mining started in 1916.At one point it was the only working mines in the country. 6 MT resrves are the only working mines in the country. 6 MT resrves are calculated for all grade.Mining stopped since 1989. Currently calculated for all grade.Mining stopped since 1989. Currently area is under leasing to Vedanta industries.area is under leasing to Vedanta industries.

Balda- This is another tungsten deposit near Balda- This is another tungsten deposit near Sirohi, but lies in forest.Sirohi, but lies in forest.

Apart from this occurrences of aother tungsten Apart from this occurrences of aother tungsten mineral Scheelite is known for mineral Scheelite is known for Kararava,Bhimana areas near Nana-Beda Kararava,Bhimana areas near Nana-Beda villages in Pali disstt.villages in Pali disstt.

Non Metallic DepositsNon Metallic Deposits

Limestone:- This mineral has been described Limestone:- This mineral has been described as harbinger of prosperity.It finds multiple as harbinger of prosperity.It finds multiple uses in lime burning, cement, hydrated uses in lime burning, cement, hydrated lime ,sugar and other chemical lime ,sugar and other chemical industries.People of this region have known industries.People of this region have known the process of making quick lime since the process of making quick lime since hundreds of years.All important geological hundreds of years.All important geological formations have deposits of this mineral in formations have deposits of this mineral in W.Rajasthan..Lease are granted for both major W.Rajasthan..Lease are granted for both major and minor minerals.All grades of limestone are and minor minerals.All grades of limestone are found in western part.found in western part.

Formation wise brief description is as under.Formation wise brief description is as under. Delhi Super GroupDelhi Super Group--

Limestone located along western flank of main Limestone located along western flank of main Aravalli range is part of this group in Sirohi-Aravalli range is part of this group in Sirohi-Pali.Imp.areas are Pindwara,Thandi beri, Nana Beda, Pali.Imp.areas are Pindwara,Thandi beri, Nana Beda, Devli,Morai, Ras. 2 major cement plants Laxmi Devli,Morai, Ras. 2 major cement plants Laxmi cement /Binani cement are based on Sirohi deposit. 3 cement /Binani cement are based on Sirohi deposit. 3 plants of Shree cement & Ambuja are based on Ras plants of Shree cement & Ambuja are based on Ras belt.Ras belt was examined in 1983,1994, 9 blocks for belt.Ras belt was examined in 1983,1994, 9 blocks for cement are delineated by DMG.cement are delineated by DMG.

Total reserves are placed at 1000 million tonnes , so Total reserves are placed at 1000 million tonnes , so there is further scope of 2 more plants which can there is further scope of 2 more plants which can attract investments of 800 crores.attract investments of 800 crores.

Ras limestone beltRas limestone belt

Devli-Gudiya lst.Devli-Gudiya lst.

Marwar Super GroupMarwar Super Group:- :-

Limestone is found as a belt called Sojat-Bilara-Limestone is found as a belt called Sojat-Bilara-Gotan belt which continues up to Kalyansar in Gotan belt which continues up to Kalyansar in Churu.Interstingly all grades of limestone are Churu.Interstingly all grades of limestone are available in this belt. Limestone of this belt has available in this belt. Limestone of this belt has 47.0-54 % CaO,1-5%SiO2.47.0-54 % CaO,1-5%SiO2.

Alternate bands of limestone & dolomite restrict Alternate bands of limestone & dolomite restrict to large scale mechanized mining & thus having to large scale mechanized mining & thus having poor potential for big cement plant. But it has poor potential for big cement plant. But it has good prospect for mini cement plant & lime good prospect for mini cement plant & lime based industries.based industries.

Borunda –Gotan beltBorunda –Gotan belt

Limestone in Manakpur areaLimestone in Manakpur area

Some prominet mining localities are Some prominet mining localities are Borunda,Ghodawat, Ransigaon, Gotan, Borunda,Ghodawat, Ransigaon, Gotan, Atbara, Pondloo,Manakpur. Recently drilling Atbara, Pondloo,Manakpur. Recently drilling by state mines deptt. has resulted in proving of by state mines deptt. has resulted in proving of 96 MT reserves (near Murkasani village) in 96 MT reserves (near Murkasani village) in cement grade category. Reserves for area in cement grade category. Reserves for area in Jodhpur are 150MT.In parts of Nagaur drill Jodhpur are 150MT.In parts of Nagaur drill indicated rerves are 800 Million T for both indicated rerves are 800 Million T for both cement and chemical grade lst. Nine blocks cement and chemical grade lst. Nine blocks notified in last 10 yrs. for leasing in both major notified in last 10 yrs. for leasing in both major and minor category.and minor category.

Yellow limestone of JaislmerYellow limestone of Jaislmer

The monuments and other heritage buildings The monuments and other heritage buildings in this city are proof of utility of this stone.The in this city are proof of utility of this stone.The entire town has been constructed with this entire town has been constructed with this mineral.Due to soft nature it is good for mineral.Due to soft nature it is good for carvings. Lease are granted for lst.flooring and carvings. Lease are granted for lst.flooring and marble.This rock can also be considered for marble.This rock can also be considered for cement making as large reserves are available, cement making as large reserves are available, more over this does not have any beds of more over this does not have any beds of SMS. Imp.localities are Jethwai,Amar SMS. Imp.localities are Jethwai,Amar sagar,Hadda,Satta,Jiyarsagar,Hadda,Satta,Jiyar

Yellow limestone, JaisalmerYellow limestone, Jaisalmer

SMS limestone beltSMS limestone belt This low silica high grade hard compact limestone This low silica high grade hard compact limestone

belt is semi arcuate in nature having 100kms. length, belt is semi arcuate in nature having 100kms. length, 2-8 kms. width. Intial work was by DMG and GSI, 2-8 kms. width. Intial work was by DMG and GSI, This belt came to lime light in 1986, when mining This belt came to lime light in 1986, when mining was closed in Mussoorrie, and country was facing was closed in Mussoorrie, and country was facing acute shortage of this mineral. It is the biggest acute shortage of this mineral. It is the biggest limestone belt in the Asian sub continent quality wise limestone belt in the Asian sub continent quality wise & quantity wise. It has two main units-hard boundary & quantity wise. It has two main units-hard boundary SMS formation, bedded chalky limestone . Total SMS formation, bedded chalky limestone . Total 2000 MT reserves of SMS. 6000 MT reserves of 2000 MT reserves of SMS. 6000 MT reserves of Cement grade have been estimated in last 25 yrs. Cement grade have been estimated in last 25 yrs.

04/14/2304/14/23 2626

Khuiyala belt (low silica limestone) Jaisalmer

2 blocks have been allotted to RSMM for mining since 2 blocks have been allotted to RSMM for mining since 1987. Systematic mining by this organization is making 1987. Systematic mining by this organization is making huge contribution to national exchequer, in terms mineral huge contribution to national exchequer, in terms mineral sale & royalty, there by saving precious foreign exchange. sale & royalty, there by saving precious foreign exchange. RSMML is producing 2-2.5 million tonnes limestone & RSMML is producing 2-2.5 million tonnes limestone & supply to steel plants of country like SAIL,TATA steel etc. supply to steel plants of country like SAIL,TATA steel etc. State exchequre is getting revenue to the tune of Rs 20 crore State exchequre is getting revenue to the tune of Rs 20 crore & earning to Indian railways is around Rs 500 crores per & earning to Indian railways is around Rs 500 crores per annum, highest from single destination in northern India.annum, highest from single destination in northern India.

After processing of all data of exploration in this belt are After processing of all data of exploration in this belt are divided into 30 blocks-6 for SMS 24 for cement plants, Out divided into 30 blocks-6 for SMS 24 for cement plants, Out of this 6 blocks have been notified for leasing. So this belt of this 6 blocks have been notified for leasing. So this belt has investment potential of 5000 crores. The main has investment potential of 5000 crores. The main bottelneck is transportation of this mineral . Some bottelneck is transportation of this mineral . Some concession in rail freight may lead to increase in sales from concession in rail freight may lead to increase in sales from this area to all steel plants of the country.this area to all steel plants of the country.

04/14/2304/14/23 2828

Mining Activities at Sanu Mines, JaisalmerMining Activities at Sanu Mines, Jaisalmer

DolomiteDolomite It is an important mineral having use in It is an important mineral having use in

refractory and other industries.Survey and refractory and other industries.Survey and drilling by DMG in 1990”s has proved 14 MT drilling by DMG in 1990”s has proved 14 MT reserves in BF/SMS category in Indo ki dhani, reserves in BF/SMS category in Indo ki dhani, Indolai talab, Shaitan singh nagar area of Indolai talab, Shaitan singh nagar area of Phalodi tehsil.Currently leasing for dolomite is Phalodi tehsil.Currently leasing for dolomite is closed in Rajsthan but open in neighbouring closed in Rajsthan but open in neighbouring states. If leasing is allowed then apart from states. If leasing is allowed then apart from mining it will open avenues for dolomite mining it will open avenues for dolomite based industrial units.based industrial units.

LigniteLignite It is a inferior variety of coal & an important It is a inferior variety of coal & an important

fuel mineral found in Bikaner, Nagaur and fuel mineral found in Bikaner, Nagaur and Barmer districts. It was first discovered in Barmer districts. It was first discovered in 1898 near Palana in Bikaner. But exploration 1898 near Palana in Bikaner. But exploration was actually accelerated after independence was actually accelerated after independence only. Various agencies like DMG, GSI, only. Various agencies like DMG, GSI, MECL, have done exploration for this mineral MECL, have done exploration for this mineral and proved substantial mineral reserves. and proved substantial mineral reserves. Summary of this exploration is given in Summary of this exploration is given in tabular form.tabular form.

IGNP

STATUS OF THE LIGNITE BLOCKS EXPLORED BY DEPTT.OF STATUS OF THE LIGNITE BLOCKS EXPLORED BY DEPTT.OF MINES & GEOLOGY,BIKANERMINES & GEOLOGY,BIKANER

S.N Name of the block Area(in sq.kms.)

Geo.Reserves(mln.tone)

Name of allottee

1. Palana, tehsil Bikaner. 6.71 23.57 M/S. RSEB

2. Barsinghsar, tehsil Bikaner. 9.71 77.83 M/S. N.L.C. Ltd.

3. Gurha-East, tehsil Kolayat 12.41 20.94 V.S.Lignite Power Ltd.

4. Gurha-West, tehsil Kolayat 19.50 29.12 M/S. R.S.M.M. Ltd.

5. Raneri, tehsil Kolayat 14.28 33.92 M/S. N.L.C. Ltd.

6. Hadla, tehsil Kolayat 16.00 59.63 M/S. N.L.C. Ltd.

7. Bithnoke, tehsil Kolyat 21.91 84.97 M/S. N.L.C. Ltd.

8. Riri, tehsil Dungargarh 26.17 272 M/S. N.L.C. Ltd.

9. Mandal-charnan, tehsil Kolayat

8.00 17.70 M/S. Indure Pvt. Ltd.

10 Chak Vijaisinghpura, tehsil Kolayat

4.50 2.80 Free

11. Sowa, tehsil Nokha 1.00 2.96 Free

12 Badhnu, tehsil Nokha 1.40 1.87 Free

13 Ambasar-Gigasar, tehsil Bikaner.

11.04 23.22 Free

14. Bhane-ka-gaon, tehsil Kolayat 1.00 1.32 Free

EXPLORATORY DRILLING FOR LIGNITE INVESTIGATION DONE BY EXPLORATORY DRILLING FOR LIGNITE INVESTIGATION DONE BY VARIOUS AGENCIES AND RESERVES ESTIMATED IN DIFFERENT VARIOUS AGENCIES AND RESERVES ESTIMATED IN DIFFERENT

DISTRICTS OF RAJASTHANDISTRICTS OF RAJASTHAN

Name of District and Item DMGR MECL GSI CMPDIL GROSS

BIKANER :DRILLING : (in meters)G.Reserves (in mln.tonM.Reserves(in mln.ton

167456297.09132.95

76151526.25378.39

N.A.N.A.N.A.

N.A.N.A.N.A.

243607824.32511.34

NAGAUR :DRILLING(in meters)G.Reserves(in mln.tonM.Reserves(in.mln.ton

59350176.9167.00

------

------

2412143.30--

83470.85220.2167.00

BARMERDRILLING(in meters)G.Reserves(in mln.tonM.Reserves(in.mln.ton

970433.5721.63

2141152174.52408.41

--54.45--

------

2238192262.54430.04

JAISALMER :DRILLING(in meters)G.Reserves(in mln.tonM.Reserves(in.mln.ton

------

348513.80--

------

------

348513.80--

TOTAL OFDRILLING(in meters)G.Reserves(in mln.tonM.Reserves(in.mln.ton

236510507.55221.58

2937512549.24674.21

--54.55--

2412143.30--

5543823154.641008.38

Present statusPresent status At present mining of this mineral is being At present mining of this mineral is being

undertaken at 3 places namely Mata sukh in undertaken at 3 places namely Mata sukh in Nagaur , Giral & Jalipa in Barmer . First two Nagaur , Giral & Jalipa in Barmer . First two areas with RSMM ,Jindal group is working in areas with RSMM ,Jindal group is working in Jalipa.Jalipa.

DMG-Rajasthan has already delineated the DMG-Rajasthan has already delineated the lignite blocks for allotment to the lignite blocks for allotment to the entrepreneurs for captive use. Excellent entrepreneurs for captive use. Excellent opportunities are available for generation of opportunities are available for generation of power using this mineral.power using this mineral.

Lignite miningLignite mining

GypsumGypsum Rajasthan enjoys monopoly as it contributes Rajasthan enjoys monopoly as it contributes

95% of national production. Mineral is 95% of national production. Mineral is reported from SriGanganagar, Bikaner, reported from SriGanganagar, Bikaner, Churu,Nagaur,Barmer,Jaislmer. Surface Churu,Nagaur,Barmer,Jaislmer. Surface deposits are depleting fast due to ever deposits are depleting fast due to ever increasing demand of this mineral in cement increasing demand of this mineral in cement manufacturing & POP industries. Its use in manufacturing & POP industries. Its use in agriculture sector has also increased its agriculture sector has also increased its demand from this part of the Rajatshan. demand from this part of the Rajatshan.

Contd…Contd… Total estimated reserves are 950 million T of both Total estimated reserves are 950 million T of both

surface and deep seated deposits of different grade surface and deep seated deposits of different grade which varies from 50-80%CaSO4.2H20. Annual which varies from 50-80%CaSO4.2H20. Annual production is around 40 lac MT tonnes & is being production is around 40 lac MT tonnes & is being presently produced by only public sector undertakings presently produced by only public sector undertakings i.e. RSMML & FAGMIL. Recently state government i.e. RSMML & FAGMIL. Recently state government has dereserved this mineral & is now open for grant to has dereserved this mineral & is now open for grant to the private entrepreneurs.the private entrepreneurs.

Main uses are in cement, plaster of paris,soil Main uses are in cement, plaster of paris,soil conditioning. conditioning.

Prime localities are all along the international boarder. Prime localities are all along the international boarder. The main sorces are Bhadwasi, Goth Manglod, The main sorces are Bhadwasi, Goth Manglod, Jivanbera, Dhankoriya, Jamsar, Dhirera, Lunkaransar, Jivanbera, Dhankoriya, Jamsar, Dhirera, Lunkaransar, Mohangarh Nachana, Lakha-khader, Kawas,Jakharla, Mohangarh Nachana, Lakha-khader, Kawas,Jakharla, Thob, chitar ka par, Dehriya , Tanwarwala etcThob, chitar ka par, Dehriya , Tanwarwala etc

DIRECT EXCAVATION OF GYPSUM & LOADING INTO TRUCKS In GANGANAGR

MarbleMarble We all know about Makrana, Selwara,Seerva We all know about Makrana, Selwara,Seerva

Peerva and small deposits in near Bheru ka Peerva and small deposits in near Bheru ka Baria,Kantaliya, in Pali,Bidasar in Churu. New Baria,Kantaliya, in Pali,Bidasar in Churu. New marble deposits were established in Phalodi marble deposits were established in Phalodi Tehsil near Moria Munjasar. It is part of Tehsil near Moria Munjasar. It is part of dolomite belt ,leases are given in only those dolomite belt ,leases are given in only those areas having non SMS rock. This is known as areas having non SMS rock. This is known as teak wood marble. In last few years white to teak wood marble. In last few years white to off white dolomitic limestone of massive off white dolomitic limestone of massive nature suitable for block mining was also nature suitable for block mining was also identified near Bedu in Osiyan tehsilidentified near Bedu in Osiyan tehsil

GraniteGranite The granite occurrences of western part of state The granite occurrences of western part of state

are fairly well documented.Good quality are fairly well documented.Good quality blockable granites are spread in the districts of blockable granites are spread in the districts of Jalore,Sirohi,Pali,Barmer,Jodpur& Jalore,Sirohi,Pali,Barmer,Jodpur& Jaisalmer.We are all aware of all major Jaisalmer.We are all aware of all major localities. At international level granite is localities. At international level granite is divided into 4 categories on the basis of divided into 4 categories on the basis of compressive strenth.Data about Rajasthan compressive strenth.Data about Rajasthan granite are sparse, so testing of samples is also granite are sparse, so testing of samples is also required to compete in market. Among the new required to compete in market. Among the new areas Sakarda has come up recently. To locate areas Sakarda has come up recently. To locate new areas geophysical survey is necessary.new areas geophysical survey is necessary.

New areas of leasing can also be notified if forest New areas of leasing can also be notified if forest diversion matter of Mokalsar is solved. Barmer and diversion matter of Mokalsar is solved. Barmer and Jaisalmer do not have large processing plants for Jaisalmer do not have large processing plants for both granite and marble so this sector also has both granite and marble so this sector also has investment potential. In some parts of Barmer-investment potential. In some parts of Barmer-Jaisalmer there are occurrences of basic dykes of Jaisalmer there are occurrences of basic dykes of small dimensions can be tried for tile making ; there small dimensions can be tried for tile making ; there colour , grain size is similar to black granite of of colour , grain size is similar to black granite of of south India. Greenish black basalt is also available south India. Greenish black basalt is also available near Mungeriya.near Mungeriya.

SandstoneSandstone Jodhpur-Nagaur-Pali-Barmer-Jaisalmer all have Jodhpur-Nagaur-Pali-Barmer-Jaisalmer all have

sandstone occurrences .All prominent mining sandstone occurrences .All prominent mining centers are known to us like Fidusar, centers are known to us like Fidusar, Balsamand, Balesar etc. It is appropriate time to Balsamand, Balesar etc. It is appropriate time to inform about new areas identified by various inform about new areas identified by various agencies in recent years.agencies in recent years.

Buff to light brown sandstone of split table & Buff to light brown sandstone of split table & massive nature was observed near Ini nadi, massive nature was observed near Ini nadi, Bhatiyon ki dhani, Meghwalon ki dhani, Bhatiyon ki dhani, Meghwalon ki dhani, Khudiyala, Jhijhinyala, in Balesar,Nevra in Khudiyala, Jhijhinyala, in Balesar,Nevra in Osiyan tehsil. Sandstone of Pokran-Jaloda is Osiyan tehsil. Sandstone of Pokran-Jaloda is good for carving.good for carving.

RhyoliteRhyolite It covers maximum geographical area in W. It covers maximum geographical area in W.

Rajasthan. We all know about Rajasthan. We all know about Mogra,Kakani,Daizer.New areas of brown to Mogra,Kakani,Daizer.New areas of brown to dark brown colour rhyolite observed near dark brown colour rhyolite observed near Palapura,Meghwas,Trisingari in Barmer disstt. Palapura,Meghwas,Trisingari in Barmer disstt. Near Raghu talab in Balesar tehsil. Black Near Raghu talab in Balesar tehsil. Black rhyolite is available near Lawan( between rhyolite is available near Lawan( between dechu-Pokran),good for road ballast and chip dechu-Pokran),good for road ballast and chip making. As of now no lease is observed, so making. As of now no lease is observed, so scope of further mining is always there.scope of further mining is always there.

Clays-Ball, Fire, ChinaClays-Ball, Fire, China Ball clay- Fire clays are mostly found in Ball clay- Fire clays are mostly found in

Kolayat tehsil of Bikaner.area is under Kolayat tehsil of Bikaner.area is under extensive leasing.Mining going on for last 50 extensive leasing.Mining going on for last 50 yrs.It is supplied to user industries in the yrs.It is supplied to user industries in the country.China clay is being mined near country.China clay is being mined near Litheriya-Kharadi-Phalka in Pali disstt. Mineral Litheriya-Kharadi-Phalka in Pali disstt. Mineral occurs at 20-3- ft. below soil cover. Another occurs at 20-3- ft. below soil cover. Another zone of china clay is located south east of zone of china clay is located south east of Nagaur having 20 kms. Lenth and Nagaur having 20 kms. Lenth and 2.5kms.width.Mineral is found below soil and 2.5kms.width.Mineral is found below soil and ferruginous sandstone at 8-20 mts. ferruginous sandstone at 8-20 mts. depth.Thickness of clay is 3 to 6 mts.depth.Thickness of clay is 3 to 6 mts.

70 leases are sanctioned, they are located near 70 leases are sanctioned, they are located near Indawar,Luniyas,Jhujhala, Pateli, Borwa, Indawar,Luniyas,Jhujhala, Pateli, Borwa, Firozepura.Clay has 21-32% Al2O3 showing lot Firozepura.Clay has 21-32% Al2O3 showing lot of variations.China clay has also been located of variations.China clay has also been located near Kita in Jaisalmer,Bhadka,Jalipa,Gunga in near Kita in Jaisalmer,Bhadka,Jalipa,Gunga in Barmer. Clays also observed as upper layers in Barmer. Clays also observed as upper layers in lignite zones. Total reserves of all clays are 30 lignite zones. Total reserves of all clays are 30 MT. In all clay mining areas there are no large MT. In all clay mining areas there are no large units like grinding and washing so in this sector units like grinding and washing so in this sector there is scope of such units.there is scope of such units.

Siliceous earthSiliceous earth

This mineral is confined to Jaisalmer-Barmer This mineral is confined to Jaisalmer-Barmer districts only, occurs near Bariyada, Mati ki districts only, occurs near Bariyada, Mati ki gol, Mandai, Sajit, Dharavi. Prospecting by gol, Mandai, Sajit, Dharavi. Prospecting by DMG has proved 10.0MT reserves having DMG has proved 10.0MT reserves having 80%SiO2.Small occurrences have also been 80%SiO2.Small occurrences have also been reported fro Shiv tehsil of Barmer where it is reported fro Shiv tehsil of Barmer where it is found associated with Bentonite. There was found associated with Bentonite. There was slump in demand for this mineral till recently, slump in demand for this mineral till recently, but revived.but revived.

Bentonite/Fullers earthBentonite/Fullers earth This is found in Barmer-Jaisalmer areas. The This is found in Barmer-Jaisalmer areas. The

Akli Thumli is well known mining locality, Akli Thumli is well known mining locality, mineral from this place is supplied through out mineral from this place is supplied through out the country. This has very good swelling the country. This has very good swelling index. In last few years small occurrences were index. In last few years small occurrences were also observed in Shiv tehsil near Kotri,Jaton also observed in Shiv tehsil near Kotri,Jaton ka gaon, Rawat ka gaon, Pusad, here bentonite ka gaon, Rawat ka gaon, Pusad, here bentonite is associated with siliceous earth.Fullers earth is associated with siliceous earth.Fullers earth is found in Bikaner,Barmer,it chemically is found in Bikaner,Barmer,it chemically similar to bentonite but is non swelling type.similar to bentonite but is non swelling type.

Fluorite & Silica SandFluorite & Silica Sand Fluorite- Fluorite- is found near Karada and Jalera is found near Karada and Jalera

Khurd in Jalore disstt. DMG discovered this Khurd in Jalore disstt. DMG discovered this prospect in 1976,proved 0.20million tonnes of prospect in 1976,proved 0.20million tonnes of reserves having 20-80%CaF2 content. The area reserves having 20-80%CaF2 content. The area is now covered under forest & thus it is not is now covered under forest & thus it is not possible to winout this important mineral possible to winout this important mineral without diversification of the forest land.without diversification of the forest land.

Silica Sand:-Silica Sand:-It occurs as overburden in It occurs as overburden in clay deposits of Nagaur and Bikaner and also clay deposits of Nagaur and Bikaner and also with lignite horizons. Recently new area has with lignite horizons. Recently new area has come up near Parewar in Jaisalmer.come up near Parewar in Jaisalmer.

Wollastonite-CalciteWollastonite-Calcite

Both minerals form the famous Belka pahar Both minerals form the famous Belka pahar deposit in Sirohi, 56.0&1.0 MT reserves have deposit in Sirohi, 56.0&1.0 MT reserves have been calculated.Small pockets ,veinsof calcite been calculated.Small pockets ,veinsof calcite also found in Phulad –Chitar villages of Pali also found in Phulad –Chitar villages of Pali disstt.Such pockets could also be seen. In Ras disstt.Such pockets could also be seen. In Ras limestone belt, but independent mining of limestone belt, but independent mining of calcite is not possible.Minerals are used in calcite is not possible.Minerals are used in chemical ,ceramics,paper industries.chemical ,ceramics,paper industries.

Quartz-feldpar & BajriQuartz-feldpar & Bajri Quartz-feldparQuartz-feldpar Mostly found in Mostly found in

Raipur,Bali,Desuri,Marwar junction tehsils of Raipur,Bali,Desuri,Marwar junction tehsils of Pali disstt. Main use is in ceramic and glass Pali disstt. Main use is in ceramic and glass industry. Three yrs. ago small occurrences of industry. Three yrs. ago small occurrences of these minerals was also reported by DMG near these minerals was also reported by DMG near Olvi-Binawas in Bilara tehsil of jodhpur disstt.Olvi-Binawas in Bilara tehsil of jodhpur disstt.

Bajri:-Bajri:-This is importnat contruction material. This is importnat contruction material. Generally found along present water course of Generally found along present water course of luni river ,sukri river, jojhari river etc also luni river ,sukri river, jojhari river etc also along old palaechannels.Govt.is regularly along old palaechannels.Govt.is regularly issuing notifications for leasing.issuing notifications for leasing.

Other MineralsOther Minerals Small occurrences of magnesite can be Small occurrences of magnesite can be

observed near Phulad,Talab,Khiwandi, observed near Phulad,Talab,Khiwandi, asbestos in Goriya in Pali disst.These are low asbestos in Goriya in Pali disst.These are low grade prospects and require upgradation.grade prospects and require upgradation.

SoapstoneSoapstone

Small occurrences are also reported in Raipur Small occurrences are also reported in Raipur tehsil and from Khivandi in Sumerpur tehsil of tehsil and from Khivandi in Sumerpur tehsil of Pali disst.As of now no lease for this mineral is Pali disst.As of now no lease for this mineral is sanctioned.sanctioned.