Uttarakhand Mineral Estates
Uttarakhand is not only famous for its natural beauty and sacred rivers but also for its rich and diverse mineral wealth. Today, we are discussing “Uttarakhand Mineral Estates”, which highlights the mineral resources found across the state. Almost every type of mineral wealth is available here—some in abundance and some in limited quantity. These mineral resources significantly benefit the Uttarakhand government, as the revenue generated from mining activities is used for state development policies and infrastructure.
Based on the discoveries made so far, Uttarakhand can be classified as a medium-level mineral-rich state. Minerals are mainly found in the Shivalik range, Lesser Himalayan range, Doons (valleys), and river valleys. To ensure systematic exploration and management, the Directorate of Geology and Mineral Affairs has been established in the state.
Below is a detailed description of the major minerals and mineral resources found in Uttarakhand.
Limestone
Extensive deposits of limestone are found in Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, and Chamoli districts.
- The Mandaram and Barkot areas near Kalsi (Dehradun) have large reserves of high-quality limestone, ideal for cement production.
- Another high-grade limestone belt is located 25 km northeast of Doiwala.
- In the Rishikesh region, limestone deposits are found near Neelkanth, Patranu, Beli, and Bhadsi villages.
- Heavy cream-colored limestone is available in Mussoorie.
- Limestone is also found in Lorani, Agrakhal, Nagini, and Narendra Nagar (Tehri).
- Ukhimath tehsil, Alaknanda valley, Pindar valley, and Lohwa belt (Pauri) have abundant deposits.
- The best quality limestone and dolomite are found in Pipalkoti and Rudraprayag (Chamoli).
- Deposits are also present in Almora, Nainital, and Gangolihat (Pithoragarh).
Usage: Cement industry and construction materials.
Marble
Marble is mainly found in Dehradun and Tehri districts, especially in the Alaknanda and Virahi Ganga valleys of Chamoli.
Mussoorie alone has marble reserves of approximately 4 million tonnes.
Magnesite
Huge deposits of magnesite are found in Almora, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, and Chamoli. This region is one of the largest magnesite belts in India.
Major locations include:
- Joshimath, Tapovan, Pokhari, Mandakini valley, Pindar valley, and Devaldhar (Chamoli)
- Jhiroli (Almora) and Chandak (Pithoragarh)
Usage: Heat-resistant bricks for iron, steel, and cement kilns.
Talc (Soapstone)
A soft mineral found in Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, and Almora.
Usage: Cosmetics, talcum powder, paints, soaps, pesticides, textiles, and paper industries.
Khadia (Chalk)
Found in Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Chamoli, and Nainital.
- Major areas: Mahagaon, Kiarkuli, Sahastradhara, Manjhara, Neet village, Sot Nala
- Estimated reserves range from 5,000 to 30,000 tonnes in different locations.
Usage: Fertilizers, Portland cement, and plaster of Paris.
Rock Phosphate
Deposits are found in Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, and Nainital, mainly in Mussoorie, Mal Devta, Kimoi, Masrana, and Chamsari.
Usage: Fertilizer industry and soil treatment.
Phosphorite
Major reserves are found in Razgenwa (Tehri district) and parts of Dehradun.
Dolomite
Found in Dehradun, Tehri, and Pithoragarh.
Usage: Cement, plaster of Paris, and acid manufacturing.
Selkhadi
Mainly found in Dehradun, Tehri, and Pauri Garhwal, with maximum production from Pauri.
Usage: Chemical fertilizers, cement, and paper.
Sulfur (Gandhak) & Pyrite (Makshik)
- First discovered in 1957 in Roopganga Valley (Chamoli).
- Also found near Badrinath, Tapovan, Sahastradhara (Dehradun).
Medicinal importance: Sulfur-rich water at Sahastradhara helps cure skin diseases.
Barites
Large deposits are found in Dehradun district.
Asbestos
Found in Ukhimath, Kandhera (Pauri), and Almora.
Usage: Thermal insulation materials due to heat resistance.
Gypsum
Found in Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Nainital, and Almora.
Usage: Cement, sulfur, and ammonium sulphate production.
Iron Ore
Small deposits are found in Nainital, Pauri, Tehri, and Almora.
- Hematite and magnetite occur in Kaladhungi and Ramgarh (Nainital).
Copper
Copper deposits are found in Chamoli, Pauri, Tehri, Dehradun, Nainital, Almora, and Pithoragarh.
- Major belts: Bhagirathi valley (Tehri) and Pauri Garhwal (96 km stretch).
Silica Sand & Lead
- Silica sand is found in Pithoragarh, Almora, Dehradun, Uttarkashi, Tehri, and Pauri.
- Lead occurs in Chandak, Ralam, Rai, Chenapani, and Tons Valley.
Graphite
Found in Almora, Pauri Garhwal, South-East Nainital, and Dehradun.
Base Metals
Present in Almora, Chamoli, Dehradun, Nainital, Pauri, Tehri, and Pithoragarh.
Patal (Slate Stone)
Best quality patal stone is found in Almora.
Usage: Roofing, courtyards, drains, and roads.
Gold
Small quantities of gold are found in the sands of Sharda, Ramganga, Alaknanda, and Pindar rivers.
Silver
Found in limited quantities in Almora district.
Tin
Tin deposits are found in Chamoli district.
Uranium
Indications of uranium availability have been reported in Tehri Garhwal district.
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